Shock Super League switch on the cards for NRL veteran

[josie andrews]

Catalans Dragons have emerged as a shock destination for veteran Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce.

The French side will wave goodbye to James Maloney – who will join French Elite Championship side FC Lezignan – at the end of the season and Pearce is expected to fill that void, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The experienced veteran has been at Newcastle since 2018, but has had his fair share of off-field misdemeanours in that time with a switch to the south of France expected to rejuvenate Pearce’s career.

Catalans have reportedly offered a lucrative three-year deal for Pearce, and, at the age of 32, it could be the halfback’s last payday.

The Dragons signed Maloney ahead of the 2020 season and he has been a major catalyst in the club’s superb charge to the top of the Super League table and it’s hoped that Pearce could yield such an influence.

Catalans do, however, have to compete with Canberra Raiders for the 32-year-old’s signature.

What might swing it in the favour of the French club is the fact that Catalans boss Steve McNamara worked with Pearce at the Sydney Roosters between 2013 and 2016 when McNamara was assistant to Trent Robinson.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/shock-su ... ran-42460/