CHAMPION halfback Mitchell Pearce has almost certainly played his final game for the Newcastle Knights.
Pearce has formally requested a release from the final year of his contract to finish his career with French club Catalan Dragons in the Super League.
All that remains is finalising a suitable compensation figure for the Knights.
Ending days of speculation, Pearce met with Knights coach Adam O'Brien and CEO Phil Gardner on Tuesday night, where he explained his desire to leave the club a season early.
Pearce, who has played 71 games for the Knights, does not have any issues with the club or O'Brien .
The 32-year-old has a three-year offer from Catalans, reportedly worth $1.5 million, and is struggling with the rigours of the NRL.
Transfer fees are commonplace in Super League and both parties are now were working towards a resolution.
"Discussions between Pearce and the club remain productive, with both parties focused on achieving a positive outcome while maintaining the great relationship that currently exists," the statement said. "No specific timeline has been determined on an outcome for the request, with all involved continuing to follow the due process required."
Although there is no timeline on talks, Pearce is unlikely to be present when the Knights assemble for pre-season training on November 10.
Pearce's exit will leave the Knights with close to $600,000 to find a replacement halfback. However, elite No.7's are scarce.
The Knights had been linked to unsettled Wests Tigers pivot Luke Brooks, who has two years remaining on his deal. However, Tigers new football director, Tim Sheens, ruled out any move.
Barring a sharp change in circumstance at a rival NRL club, the Knights will look to the likes of recent arrival Adam Clune and young guns Phoenix Crossland and Simi Sasagi to fill the void.
Five-eighth Jake Clifford, a standout late last season, could slot in a spot, opening the way for Kalyn Ponga to migrate to the halves.
Knights legend Andrew Johns will have a major influence in the direction the Knights take with their halves after rejoining the club this week as a consultant.
