Stumbling block in Mitchell Pearce’s Super League deal emerges

Mitchell Pearce is all set for a move to Super League side Catalans Dragons, but there is one major stumbling block standing in his way.

That obstacle is whether or not his current side – the Newcastle Knights – can find an adequate replacement for the veteran playmaker.

Luke Brooks is a name that has been doing the rounds consistently since the speculation around Pearce arrived, but the Wests Tigers hierarchy have repeatedly denied that the halfback would be leaving even though the majority of the media have reported that a move is on the cards – and soon.

However, if Brooks’ transfer does not go through, it would leave Pearce in limbo, as the Knights continue to look for a replacement.

With Catalans Dragons’ James Maloney taking a deal at fellow French side FC Lezignan at the end of the season, the rumour mill has been in overdrive over who Steve McNamara could bring in to replace the Australian architect.

That led to speculation that outcast Newcastle halfback Pearce could be making his way to the south of France in order to revitalise a Catalans side that ended up on a heartbreaking 12-10 loss to St Helens in the Super League Grand Final.