In 13 seasons at the highest level in club footy, he has played 277 NRL games, established himself as one of the game's best halfbacks, won a premiership with the Sydney Roosters [in 2013] and featured in 19 Origin games for his State.

The only achievements to have eluded him [so far] are Kangaroos' selection and winning a Dally M Medal.

But as good as his record is right now, what he potentially achieves over the next couple of seasons at the Knights, will, in many ways, define his career. The final chapters could potentially make the best reading.

No one has ever doubted Pearce's ability as a footballer. He debuted as a starting halfback for the Roosters when he was only 18 back in 2007 and made the No.7 jersey his own at one the NRL's biggest clubs for 11 seasons. He did it all despite the extra pressure of having a father [Wayne] who is considered a legend of the code.

Yep, it's been a bumpy ride along the way. Australia Day 2016 will forever be etched in the memory bank for a lot of people whenever Pearce's name comes up. And there have been other off-field discretions that have muddied the waters when it came to his character. On the field, his knockers always point to his record with NSW in State of Origin. Seven consecutive series defeats to Queensland with Pearce steering the Blues' ship.

But then came redemption of sorts in last season's decider and the long pass he threw in the dying minutes that led to James Tedesco's match and series-winning try.

And now.....well he has the chance to finish his career over the next few seasons with a fairytale ending - by captaining the Knights to an elusive third premiership win. His leadership is often questioned by the critics but they will be silenced if he manages to lift the club out of their finals doldrums.

And in the eyes of Knights fans, if he can take the club to another title before he finishes up in the NRL, he will have earned club legend status to rival the likes of Paul Harragon, Andrew Johns and Danny Buderus.

Pearce has been told as much in conversations with the people he trusts. He appears more focused and less distracted than he has been in the past. After giving it much thought, he opted out of writing a column for this publication this season because he wants his footy to do the talking. Here's hoping Knights fans hear him loud and clear this season, starting with the Warriors today.

It has been noticeable during pre-season games and will stick out even more against the Warriors today.

Despite all the positivity surrounding the Knights, the club is yet to nail down a back-of-the-jumper sponsorship. Above the number on the back is bare.

So what's it worth? We're told the Broncos get upwards of $700,000 from their deal while the Sharks might be lucky to pocket $50,000 so somewhere in between we are guessing. There has been interest but as yet, no takers at an asking price of somewhere around $350,000.

New Knights coach Adam O'Brien has been true to his word in wanting to keep the club's Old Boys involved with his current squad.

After inviting Kurt Gidley to play in the Nines last month and playing a big part in Danny Buderus coming back on board in a director of footy role at the club, O'Brien organised for the biggest club legend of them all, Paul Harragon, to address the team and hand out the jerseys after the captain's run at McDonald Jones Stadium yesterday.

We're told you could have heard a pin drop during Chief's speech.

Long-serving former Knights doctor Peter McGeoch was honoured with a tribute dinner put on by the club's Old Boys just over a week ago.

In a measure of how highly he is still regarded by the players he looked after for more than two decades, well over 50 Old Boys turned up.

We've all heard the saying 'no news is good news' a host of times before.

But in the case of St George Illawarra backrower and Newcastle recruitment target Tyson Frizell, it may not ring true for the Knights.

News on the Frizell front has been exceedingly quiet and there hasn't been a whisper out of the Knights about his future plans, mainly because the club apparently doesn't know which way he is leaning. Reports this week suggest the Dragons have offered him a deal worth $2.1 million over three years. We reckon the Knights offer is superior but Frizell will become a 10-year player at Kogarah if he stays.

Not surprising, the Knights don't have all their eggs in the one basket and will have contingency plans. A decision one way or the other pretty soon would help though.

Cessnock Goannas have virtually shut up shop on the recruitment front with confirmation of the signing of former Knights, Canberra and Wests Tigers backrower Joel Edwards. Edwards, who sadly lost his mother a few weeks ago after a long illness, is back at his junior club where he last played more than a decade ago in 2009.

He finally signed a contract on Thursday night and joins a powerhouse forward pack that also includes former Knights' Tyler Randall and Tyrone Amey.

Luckless former Knights playmaker Ryan Stig is back in Newcastle after a successful playing stint in France last season but is undecided about his playing future.

Stig, who debuted for the Knights in 2011 before being struck down by limes disease, is in the best shape he has been for a long time and inquired at the club about getting another opportunity. But at 30, his options appear limited. He has spoken to a couple of local clubs but is yet to commit to a contract.

As of next week in Australia, major sporting events including the NRL will be played in empty stadiums. The only winners in this will be the television networks who will have fans glued to their lounge chairs. Clubs will be hoping they don't get too comfortable and not return when the time comes.

SIGN UP TODAY: For the best coverage of sport in Newcastle and the Hunter, subscribe for unlimited digital access

IN NEWS