Newcastle coach Nathan Brown says star halfback Mitchell Pearce isn’t looking as far ahead as State of Origin.

Instead, the Knights and Pearce have a more pressing matter this weekend when they face the in-form 5-1 Wests Tigers in Tamworth.

“Pearcey hasn’t really spoken about Origin to be honest and I would have thought he will just go about his business,” Brown said.

“He’s a good experienced player and he understands his role in our team is far more important than any individual competition against any one player.”

Brown was happy to talk about Wests Tigers and their own halfback Luke Brooks.

“I would think he’ll (Pearce) just be focused on what his job is for us and he’s been doing that really well. The rewards come off the back of how good your team goes and that is probably where Luke Brooks is getting some of his recognition.

“It’s good for the Tigers and good for Luke Brooks that people like Benji are starting to talk about him in those terms.

“They wouldn’t be doing it if he wasn’t playing well. From our point of view, we are going to need to do a good job on him and if we don’t, the proof is in what he’s been doing which has been very good.”

The team’s clash on Saturday at 5.30pm.

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