Newcastle Knights may be attempting to spring a major upset and lure Mitchell Pearce to the club, but utility forward Jamie Buhrer says it will be business as usual regardless of the NSW representative's decision.
Manly have been tipped to snare Pearce's signature, but the former Roosters halfback has also been linked to the Knights since the Tricolours announced his departure a week ago.
But with four halves – including new recruit Connor Watson – already on the books, Buhrer indicated the Knights squad was not fazed by the ongoing situation regarding Pearce.
Buhrer and Pearce played together at both City-Country and State of Origin level in 2012.
"If he's willing to make the trip up here and come, I'd absolutely love it," Buhrer told NRL.com.
"He's a quality player and if he wants to come up here and play he'll be a great addition for us both from an experience and ability perspective.
"But if he doesn't and decides to stay down there I'm quite confident with young Brock Lamb, Connor, Jack Cogger and Hodko (Trent Hodkinson) here."
Buhrer said Pearce had the ability to fit into any system – including at his former club, the Sea Eagles, alongside Daly Cherry-Evans.
"DCE is a selfless player and person. I can see it working but if you're going to pay a player you need to make sure he fits," Buhrer said.
"If they're going to sign him up, they'll make it work somehow and if they don't or if he goes to the Sharks it will be the same thing. If he comes here we'll find a way too.
"It's one of those things where he's got all options on the table, and with his ability he'll make an impact wherever he goes."
Knights winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall has relished his move to the Hunter and has been in the ear of his former Roosters teammate.
"This environment away from Sydney would be perfect for Pearcey but that's something he has to realise on his own," Kenny-Dowall told NRL.com.
"From my experience coming here and seeing what the town has to offer, I think it would be a great fit."
