Pearce can be elite star

MITCHELL Pearce will prove at Newcastle he’s an elite NRL player without the luxury of a star-studded team, according to Michael Hagan.

Pearce joined the woodenspooners rather than Manly or Cronulla, ending a successful 11-year stint at the Sydney Roosters last month upon the arrival of superstar halfback Cooper Cronk.

Hagan, who coached Newcastle to the 2001 premiership, believes how well NSW halfback Pearce guides the youthful side could be careerdefining. Pearce will play alongside young guns Kalyn Ponga and Connor Watson.