Mitchell Pearce's time as a Newcastle Knight is officially over.
The halfback and former captain has been released from the final year of his contract to take up a lucrative three-year deal with French Super League club Catalans.
The 32-year-old asked for the release in October, informing the Knights that his body was no longer up to the rigours of the NRL.
Details of the release remain confidential, but the Knights had been seeking a transfer fee.
Pearce played 71 games in four season for the Knights since joining them in 2017.
He handed over the captaincy after a texting scandal and was sidelines doe large periods after twice suffering torn pecs.
In statement, the Knights said: Pearce requested a release from the final year of his current contract in late October, with both parties working through the process, making it effective immediately.
"The Knights would like to thank Mitchell for his significant contribution since joining the club in 2017, celebrating many highlights including 300 NRL games and back-to-back finals series."
Pearce's exit leaves the Knights without a first-choice halfback.
Adam Clune, who joined the Knights this seasons after playing 25 games for the Dragons over two years, is the frontrunner for the No.7 jumper.
Other options include Phoenix Crossland, Jake Clifford, Kurt Mann and Tex Hoy.
However, the Knights do have two places left in their top 30 and Pearce's departure opens about $650,000 in the salary cap.
They have been linked to Luke Brooks but he has two years to run on his contract at the Wests-Tigers.
Pearce has relocated to Sydney and is expected to move to France early in the new year.
