The rumour mill has been running hot with Mitchell Pearce speculation over the past fortnight. First, there was the story linking him to a potential move to the Bulldogs with club officials from the Dogs apparently contemplating having a meeting to discuss whether they might be interested in him. Then came suggestions a few days later the Canberra Raiders needed a replacement for the already departed George Williams at halfback so had put Pearce on their radar. That came out a few days before another yarn emerged with the headline 'Pearce could be headed to Europe as Catalans prepare offer'. It was reported Pearce may opt for a life-style change and fill the void left by James Maloney's departure from the French club in the English Super League. It's nice to be wanted. The spanner in the works for rivals though is Pearce is already under contract to the Knights next season. He can only be formally approached from November 1 for 2023 and beyond. What rival clubs are apparently banking on is if they sign the veteran playmaker to a two or three-year-deal, there's the possibility he could then ask the Knights for an early release and depart next year. It happens quite regularly in the NRL [Jake Clifford was released early this season from the Cowboys]. But in Pearce's case, the Knights position on it couldn't be any clearer. He's going nowhere. "We wouldn't even contemplate releasing him," recruitment boss Clint Zammit told us. "He's contracted to us for next year and is obviously a very important member of our squad so why would we. We are not going to weaken our squad and boost someone else at the same time. "You don't let players go early who are vital to your premiership chances. And Mitchell is a loyal bloke. He's never spoken about it and never even brought up the possibility." It is clear the Knights can see the finish line with Pearce. It's why they only offered him a cut-price one-year extension for next year. He will turn 34 in 2023 and it will be his 17th season in the NRL. Injuries are a consideration and any decision on him won't be rushed. But coach Adam O'Brien refuses to rule out the possibility of extending him again if he hasn't already signed elsewhere. Why would he. Even before Pearce's heroics against the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday night, his value to the side was obvious. He's played just 10 games this season and the Knights have won eight of them. Without him, the record is four from 14. Kalyn Ponga's brilliance may give the side its X-factor but Pearce's influence is every bit as crucial if not more so. If the Knights are to surprise during the final series, it will be Pearce who provides the inspiration. It's shaping up to be a big couple of weeks for Knights five-eighth Jake Clifford. Clifford will play against the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday before flying to Townsville, with his wife Steph booked in to give birth to their baby daughter on Monday. He'll have the day with his family before flying back to the Sunshine Coast to prepare for the elimination final the following weekend. Club legends Andrew and Matthew Johns were highly critical of the Knights' lack of player development earlier this week, suggesting the club hasn't produced a decent halfback, five-eighth or hooker in two decades. They'll be pleased to know a former teammate of theirs will have a big say in righting that ship. We're told head of football Danny Buderus will have his hands all over the appointment of a new head of pathways, who will be directly responsible for junior development going forward. Adam Clune's signing by the club should be announced next week with the club also close to securing the versatile Chris Randall in what will be his first top 30 contract.
