NRL playmaker offered multi-year deal by Super League club

Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns has backed star halfback Mitchell Pearce to take up an offer from French club Catalans Dragons.

Newcastle ended their season with defeat to Parramatta Eels in the elimination final, with Johns believing Pearce would be better suited to joining Super League despite having a year left on his NRL contract.

“I think that’d be a great opportunity for him,” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.

“Catalans offering him a two-three year deal… south of France, anonymous, weekends off, fly into wherever – it takes you half an hour to an hour to fly all over Europe.

“Less eyes on him, faster more open game.

“I think if he decides to go, I think Catalans would be a great fit for him.”

The Dragons are currently locked in a battle for the Super League title, with the club having a week off due to finishing second next week.