Knights reveal new leadership group after Pearce's controversial captaincy departure

The Newcastle Knights have announced a new five-man leadership group following Mitchell Pearce's move to step down as captain ahead of the upcoming season.

Today, the Knights announced that Mitch Barnett, Kalyn Ponga, Daniel Saifiti, Blake Green and Jayden Brailey will comprise the group aimed at steering the Knights back into the finals for a consecutive season.

The club said the players were chosen after an "extensive selection process" and that all five will lead "both on and off the field throughout 2021".

The club also announced that a decision over which sole player would be handed captaincy would be made in the coming weeks.

The Knights' new leadership re-thinking comes after Pearce handed in his captaincy following a texting scandal involving a female club staffer.

Pearce reportedly told club officials he intended to step down and attempt to salvage his relationship with his partner Kristin Scott.

Pearce was supposed to wed Scott at a 150-person Byron Bay wedding over the Christmas period, before allegations surfaced he had been sending "flirty texts" to a club staffer, who was also in a long-term relationship.

Pearce struggled to contain his emotions as he publicly addressed the text message scandal that cost him the Knights' captaincy.

Visibly distressed, he read from a prepared statement at a media conference earlier this month, revealing the "traumatic" impact the saga has had on him, with his relationship in tatters after his scheduled wedding to fiancee Kristin Scott was cancelled.

He said he regretted the pain he had caused Scott, his family and the club.

"For me it's been a traumatic few weeks for my personal life and those I love," Pearce said.

"Unfortunately my actions have impacted the team and more importantly the people I have closest to me, Kristin and my family.

"I'm taking steps now to address these issues and for me to step down as captain this season.

"I love this club and I love my family and I'm committed to working as hard as I can to be the best man I can be both on and off the field.

"I appreciate a bit of respect moving forward and some time to get back to training."