Smith was glowing in his appraisal of the NSW halfback and said he would be the perfect replacement for Cooper Cronk who has joined the Roosters on a two-year deal.

Cronk’s signing prompted Pearce to seek a release from the Bondi club, with the 2013 premiership-winner being courted by Newcastle, Cronulla and front-runners Manly.  

“Mitch is a wonderful player. I think he’s a wonderful halfback,” Smith said. “He’s been a representative halfback for a long time now; he’s played 270-odd first-grade games. He’s a pretty special player.

“Only 27, why wouldn’t you want to be looking at him as a halfback for your team knowing now that he’s not going to be at the Roosters?

“There’s obviously been a handful of clubs tossed up concerning (Pearce’s) future and them willing to look at him being on their books next year.

“If he was keen to come to Melbourne, I’d certainly put my hand up and say, yeah, we’d love to have you. We’ve got Brodie there but he’s played three first-grade games.”

The Australian captain said Pearce’s experience would be invaluable as Melbourne attempt to defend their 2017 title.  

“We’ve got Cameron Munster playing six who is still relatively new to that position - he’s played one full season,” Smith said.

“We’ve got two young kids there playing in pretty critical positions for us. I think you’d be crazy not to have a look at the opportunity to get Mitchell Pearce’s services for next year.”