WAYNE Bennett has blasted suggestions the Broncos are looking to add Mitchell Pearce to their roster, suggesting the former Roosters star wouldn’t be good for the club’s culture.

Brisbane have in recent days been linked to a move for Pearce, with reports suggesting the club had contacted the clubless playmaker personally to show an interest.

It would be hard not to get excited about the prospect of Pearce linking up with dynamic five-eighth Anthony Milford but, speaking to The Courier-Mail , Bennett didn’t mince his words ruling it out.

Round 20

“Mitchell Pearce will not be at the Broncos,” Bennett was quoted.

“I haven’t spoken to him once and we haven’t even made him an offer — we’re not interested.

“I’m not lying about that.

“We can’t afford him under the salary cap but even if we could afford him, we still wouldn’t take him. Pearce is a good player but we’re happy with the culture we’ve got here.

“People criticise me for signing James Roberts (former NRL bad boy) but James is not a leader at this club.

“People don’t follow James at this club, he fits into the Broncos culture.

“I’m happy with the squad I’ve got.”

Meanwhile, Pearce has spoken publicly for the first time since his Roosters release, revealing Manly are one of the clubs keen on signing him.

Pearce was granted an immediate release from the Tricolours on Monday and is currently looking for a club for 2018.

The 28-year-old opted to leave the Bondi-based club after they signed Australian Test star Cooper Cronk to a two-year deal from next season.

Pearce recently returned from a US holiday where he mulled over his future.

“It was emotional, it was a really hard couple of weeks,” Pearce told media on Tuesday.

“A lot of thought’s gone into it. To pack up and leave all my mates and the only place I know has been really hard.

“It still hasn’t really sunk in, but whatever you choose in life you’ve got to back yourself and commit 100 per cent. That’s what I’ll be doing in my next adventure.

“I was really happy with the way we were able to leave on happy terms.

“The (Roosters) made a choice for the best direction for them and they understood my direction for my own career goals.”

Pearce said the Sea Eagles had touched based with him, along with other NRL outfits.

“Obviously Manly have shown interest and there’s been a couple of other clubs,” the NSW Origin halfback said.

“I’m going to keep my options open and see what’s out there and what fits best for me.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall has admitted he’s been in contact with Pearce, telling the star halfback to seriously consider the Knights as an option for 2018.

Knights coach Nathan Brown previously expressed his desire to sign Pearce should he become available.

Mitchell Pearce talks with Shaun Kenny-Dowall during their time at the Roosters. Picture. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

A move north wouldn’t be hard for Pearce given old Roosters teammates are currently at the Knights, including Aidan Guerra, Connor Watson and Kenny-Dowall.

“There’s been a few messages,” Kenny-Dowall told the Newcastle Herald.

“I’ve just told him how much of a good place Newcastle is and that if he wanted to make the decision to come up here, we’d love to have him.

“He’s a world-class player and his presence on the field would be great for the club.

“He would be a great addition and a great asset for the club, but at the end of the day that’s his decision.”

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BIG HAYNE HINT

The reports that Jarryd Hayne is about to leave Gold Coast for Parramatta won’t go away.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that Hayne was going to leave the Titans in January so he could pocket upwards of $180,000 of his contract.

Hayne is still in camp with Fiji ahead of their World Cup semi final against Australia, but there’s one big hint which suggests he’s good as gone from the Glitter Strip.

Channel Nine Gold Coast reported on Tuesday Hayne has moved out of his Broadbeach Waters home, an indication he could be about to jet off.

KEV’S BRONCOS ROLE

Kevin Walters looks on at Broncos training. Source: News Corp Australia

Channel 7 has revealed Wayne Bennett’s plans for incoming Broncos assistant coach Kevin Walters, with reporter Ben Dobbin revealing the Maroons boss would take care of Brisbane’s attack.

Walters was last involved with the Broncos in 2015, shaping the Anthony Milford-Ben Hunt combination as they fell agonisingly short of a premiership.

Walters’ formula will be key to the club’s fortunes again in 2018, with a new full-time combination of Milford-Kodi Nikorima to ignite.

“I spoke to Kevin Walters this afternoon and he was very, very excited about the wealth of talent and especially looking forward to working with Kodi Nikorima and obviously Anthony Milford,” Dobbin said.

SEZER RUMOUR QUASHED

Canberra have rejected talk that they’re considering releasing Aidan Sezer in order to make a play for Mitchell Pearce.

Manly, Cronulla and Newcastle are keen on Pearce, and on Tuesday, ex-NRL star Matty Johns claimed the Raiders had joined the race.

Aidan Sezer of the Raiders runs the ball. Source: Getty Images

“Just add one more. There’s discussions around Canberra,” Johns told The Grill Team.

“Canberra have waged late interest in Mitchell Pearce and there’s been talk that they could create cap space by allowing Aidan Sezer to return to his junior club Canterbury. Maybe there’s a bit of interest there from the Raiders as well.”

Raiders CEO Don Furner was quick to shut down the rumour, telling foxsports.com.au’s Nathan Ryan: "No. We're not letting Sezer go. I'm sure Canterbury would be interested but we have our halves in place."

Matt Johns suggested on Triple M this morning Sezer to Dogs and they'll then chase Pearce. Raiders CEO Don Furner told me: "No. We're not letting Sezer go. I'm sure Canterbury would be interested but we have our halves in place." #NRL — Nathan Ryan (@Nath_Ryan) November 21, 2017

WARRIORS’ PLANS FOR HINGANO

Warriors CEO Cameron George says Ata Hingano is still in the club’s plans despite the signing of experienced playmaker Blake Green.

The Warriors on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Green on a three-year deal which immediately puts a cloud over Hingano who looked set to partner Shaun Johnson in the halves after Kieran Foran’s departure.

George said that there had been no request for a release from Hingano or his management and that the club would sit down with the talented Tongan once his World Cup duties are over.

“We met with his manager this morning and had a really good discussion. We’ll have a chat with Ata at the right time when he’s finished with his role with Tonga,” George told Fairfax NZ.

“We believe Ata’s got a great future with the club and he will benefit greatly playing alongside Blake Green. No one’s guaranteed their spots and the competition will certainly be beneficial to the club.”

KNIGHTS LOCK UP JOHNS, SIGN NADEN

Newcastle have announced the re-signing of Jack Johns on a one-year deal.

Johns, son of club legend Matty Johns, played with the club’s under 20s team throughout 2017 and was handed his international debut for Italy at this year’s World Cup.

The club have also signed former Penrith and Canberra lower grader Brent Naden for 2018.

“Following on from an excellent season, Jack gets the chance to train full time and continue his development at the club,” general manager of football Darren Mooney said.

“For Brent, he joins the club for an opportunity and provides depth to our outside backs.”