Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce emerges on Canberra Raiders' radar

The Canberra Times can reveal Pearce's name has been mentioned internally at Raiders headquarters, but the club is yet to make a genuine play given he is still on contract with the Newcastle Knights until the end of the 2022 NRL season. Any talks with the Raiders would hinge on Newcastle's plans for Pearce.

The 306-game veteran is one of a number of halfbacks whose names have been floated, however Stuart is yet to speak to Pearce about any potential move.

The Canberra coach admits options are few and far between as he scours the market for a playmaker to steer the Raiders following George Williams' early return to England.

Sam Williams has filled the void for the bulk of the 2021 campaign, but Canberra bosses are keen to lure another option to the capital.

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"There has been speculation on about four or five halfbacks. I'm no further in regards to having an option at this stage," Stuart said.

While Pearce and the Knights have moved four points clear of the chasing pack in seventh on the ladder, the Raiders are fighting for a place in the top eight with two rounds to play.

Five teams are still in the hunt for eighth spot but the Raiders would likely need to win their final two games of the regular season to force their way in.

The New Zealand Warriors are the first team standing in their way, and they will be fighting to keep their own finals dream alive against the Raiders in Mackay on Friday night.

Then come the finals-bound Sydney Roosters in round 25, who are looking to secure a place in the top four and a crucial second chance come the finals series.

Stuart gave his troops the day off on Sunday to spend time with families who have made their way up to Queensland with the competition relocated to the sunshine state.

Then the Raiders mentor sat back to watch the Warriors in action against the Brisbane Broncos at Lang Park on Sunday afternoon.

"It's actually good. It's high," Stuart said when asked about the mood in Raiders camp.

"We're not happy with where we are but the standard of football isn't the situation at the moment, it's the position we got ourselves into in the slump we had mid-year. That's what has got us into this position.

"The disappointing part is we got ourselves into this scenario and we're probably playing some of our better football at the moment.

"It frustrates me that we put ourselves into this, we have only got ourselves to blame."

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