Origin call-up or not, Knights coach Nathan Brown knows his captain is 100 per cent focused when it comes to playing for his club.
“I think that he has shown that playing for the Knights is high on his priority list,” added Brown.
“When he set out this year, his goal was to take Newcastle to the best place we can go and any rewards off the back of that, I’m sure he’d be happy with, but I think his main focus is the Knights.”
With undeniably brilliant form this season, Mitchell Pearce has dominated talks of a game two Origin appearance
But Brown believes it’s also the team around him that has seen him flourish.
“I believe that his form last year was as good as his form this year,” said Brown.
“Just this year he has some more quality and experienced players around him to help lighten the load.
Mann at home in the halves
“He has been fortunate to play a few more games with Kalyn as well.
“He’s fit and well and would love a shot at Origin if it comes.
“Pearcy knows his form is good but he knows it’s on the back of the team performing well.”
If Pearce does get selected to occupy the no. 7 jersey for the blues, Brown believes he plays at his peak when calling the shots.
“That seems to be the style of footy that suits Mitch now,” Brown explained.
Kenny-Dowall visits families at Ronald McDonald House
“Just from the way he is playing the game now, and the experience he has got, it is certainly a style that suits him and suits the way he wants to play.
“But it doesn’t mean it suits every club or every coach or the way NSW want to play.”
