Cameron Smith has contacted Mitchell Pearce in an attempt to bring the in-demand halfback to Melbourne.

It's understood Pearce met Manly and Cronulla powerbrokers on Thursday and plans to hear Newcastle's pitch on Friday. However, the Storm has emerged as a shock contender for his services in what could become a stunning player swap with Roosters recruit Cooper Cronk.

Pearce has been on the wrong side of countless battles with Smith at State of Origin level. However, the Melbourne, Queensland and Australian captain holds Pearce in high regard and has called him about the prospect of joining the premiers. It's believed Smith spoke to the former Roosters halfback about the club's culture, the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the game and the chances of the club going back-to-back with the Blues No.7 in the side.

A shift south would also allow one of the NRL's most maligned players a chance to escape the constant scrutiny that follows his career in Sydney.