THINK Mitchell Pearce isn’t seriously considering a move to Newcastle?

Think again.

It’s no secret rival players have been reaching out to Pearce.

Both Paul Gallen and Wade Graham have admitted to reaching out to the in-demand No.7 but it’s the call Pearce made himself which could prove the most telling.

He phoned Connor Watson to pick the brain of the Knights’ new recruit.

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After requesting a release from his contract with the Roosters as a result of their decision to sign Cooper Cronk, a host of clubs contacted Pearce’s management to register their interest in signing the No.7.

Pearce was given the list and has been mulling over his options.

But in the strongest indication yet that Pearce could shock the rugby league landscape by linking with the wooden spooners, Watson revealed to foxsports.com.au that it was Pearce who picked up the phone and called him.

“He sort of asked me about the club and what I thought of Newcastle so far,” Watson said.

Mitchell Pearce congratulates Connor Watson after scoring.

“I told him I love it. I obviously haven’t been here too long but from the time I’ve spent here and around training, it’s a good place and there’s a good vibe here.

“… It’s definitely a strong option.”

He obviously liked what he’d heard from his former teammate. Last Friday, Pearce met with the club in Newcastle.

Foxsports.com.au can reveal the inner details of their pitch.

MANLY’S MASSIVE TRUMP CARD IN PEARCE PURSUIT

Pearce met with Knights coach Nathan Brown and their general manager of football Darren Mooney, while Wests Group chief executive Phil Gardner also popped by for a chat to speak about the future of the club.

The bulk of the chat was spent with Brown and Mooney. Casual over coffee, their pitch was purely football related.

No figures were discussed and the Knights were frank with where the club is at in terms of becoming a premiership threat.

They are rebuilding. That’s no secret, so in the name of transparency they outlined their plans for the direction they see the club heading.

This is where playing style comes in.

New recruits Connor Watson and Kalyn Ponga chat with coach Nathan Brown.

Pearce likes playing with his hands on the ball and that’s what he’d be allowed to do at the Knights.

Recruitment targets for 2019 and beyond were also discussed.

It’s been reported that the Knights are chasing Dylan Napa although the club denies that is the case. They do, however, have three forwards on their hit list and hope salary cap pressures at their respective clubs will allow them to swoop.

Keeping with the honesty theme, Pearce was up front about not wanting to rush his decision.

After getting a feel for the club, players and staff, Pearce is now weighing up how options.

While it’s been reported that Newcastle have offered Pearce a five or six year deal, foxsports.com.au understands a formal offer has not been tabled, although terms have been discussed. They’re expected to formalise an offer this week.

Pearce is expected to meet with officials from the clubs he’s interested in again this week.

Melbourne were one club keen on Pearce and it went further than the public backing of captain Cameron Smith.

It’s understood the Storm crunched the numbers on ways to fit Pearce in to their roster for next season.

It’s no secret that Cronulla hope to land Pearce, in a move which would allow Matt Moylan to play fullback, while Manly are desperate to sign the playmaker after releasing Blake Green to take up a rich deal with the Warriors.

With cap space tight for next season, several of their players are being offered up to rivals so the Sea Eagles can table Pearce an enticing deal.

“He’s still not sure what he’s doing yet,” Watson said.

“It would be awesome to get him up here.

“He’s such a talented footballer and he works so hard. A lot of people don’t see it but he’s probably the hardest working player that I’ve met. It would be awesome to have him up here.

“Me and Ju are pretty good mates so I just want him to go somewhere he’s going to be happy.”