Mullen was advised by the NRL integrity unit earlier this month that they would not oppose re-registering him if he can find an NRL club willing to offer him a contract.

The former NSW Origin playmaker, who made 211 appearances for the Knights between 2005 and 2016, completed a four-year steroid ban in January and played the 2021 season with Queensland Cup outfit Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The 34-year-old is committed to his dream of making a remarkable NRL comeback, but if that is to happen, it is unlikely to involve his former club.

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Even with Mitchell Pearce expected to confirm his departure to Catalans Dragons in coming days, the Knights do not view Mullen as a possible stopgap replacement, telling the Newcastle Herald on Thursday: "At this stage we don't have a spot for him in our top 30."

Mullen's manager, Steve Gillis, confirmed he had not heard from the Knights, nor other NRL clubs.

"It's probably a bit early," he said. "But to be fair, we weren't expecting anyone to roll out the red carpet."

Releasing Pearce will create a vacancy on Newcastle's roster, but it is understood the Knights' preference is to replace him with an established NRL playmaker.

Alternatively they may look to use the $550,000 Pearce would have earned to strengthen another position.

The Herald understands Newcastle officials have discussed Mullen but are unlikely to offer him even a "train-and-trial" contract.

The Knights announced on Tuesday that Johns, Newcastle's greatest-ever player, is rejoining the club as a coaching consultant, working specifically with the halves.

Johns was Mullen's teammate, and mentor, when the latter debuted in the NRL as an 18-year-old schoolboy.

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