The Newcastle Knights got back to work with the start of pre-season training at their Mayfield headquarters on Wednesday.
New arrival Adam Clune was among 15 members of the NRL squad - headed by Bradman Best and Jake Clifford - to begin pre-season training on Wednesday.
Coach Adam O'Brien and new head of performance Hayden Knowles put the group through a field session.
Wantaway halfback Mitchell Pearce and other senior players including origin stars Kalyn Ponga, Tyson Frizell, David Klemmer and Daniel Saifiti, do not start training for another two weeks.
Dane Gagai, who played in the grand final for South Sydney, is not on deck until December 11.
It has been two weeks since Pearce formally requested a release from the final year of his contract with the Knights to take up a lucrative long-term deal in France.
Clune appears the likely successor if, as expected, Pearce departs for Catalans.
The Knights have been linked to a move for Luke Brooks, but the Wests Tigers have made it clear they will not be releasing the local junior.
Either way, Clune said his approach won't alter.
"When I signed I was of the opinion that Mitch was going to be here," Clune said. "If he stays, it is a great opportunity for me to learn off a great player. If not, it is an opportunity for me to fight for the No.7 jersey.
"There is plenty of depth here and there is going to be good competition for spots.
"It doesn't change my approach to training. I will focus on what I can control and I'm looking forward to getting out there."
