Mitchell Pearce to undergo thumb surgery as summer from hell continues after texting scandal

“I’m just grateful that if you were going to get it at any time it’s now.”

When asked about his mental state, Pearce said: “It’s a private matter so we’re working on it privately but things are going well.

“The boys have been great. I think that’s one thing about playing team sport, I think [coach] Adam [O’Brien] used the word ‘family’, and it’s something that I’ve always looked at being in the rugby league community around your teammates, it’s a real family.

“Right or wrong, good or bad, the boys will jump on and support your brother and your family members and that’s what it’s about.

“The way Adam explained that is the way I felt when I came back.”

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Pearce, who looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders during a Newcastle team photo, addressed the texting scandal with his teammates as soon as they returned for training in the new year.

Most of the Knights players had planned to be in Byron Bay for his wedding to Kristin Scott.

Pearce, 31, remains unsure what will happen beyond this season in the Hunter, but made it clear he wants to stay with the Knights.

“I’d love to stay here, but I’ll get the operation this arvo and get a good sleep and I’ll worry about winning the day tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga, who is part of the leadership group with Daniel Saifiti, Blake Green, Mitch Barnett and Jayden Brailey, confirmed he would miss round one and there was no set time as he continued his recovery from shoulder surgery.

“I’m ticking the boxes, and the scans about four weeks ago were positive … I’m not sure of the time frame,” Ponga said.