Lachlan Fitzgibbon says he doesn't hold a grudge against his former captain following the off-season controversy

Fitzgibbon was dragged into the saga because he is best mates with the long-term partner of a female Knights employee who Pearce had been caught out exchanging texts with.

Pearce's wedding to fiancee Kristin Scott, planned for late December, was subsequently called off after the texts came to light with the veteran playmaker also relinquishing the captaincy.

The female employee has since resigned from her job.

Fitzgibbon admitted the controversy initially affected his relationship with his former skipper.

"I'm not hiding the fact that I was angry with him after what happened but Junior [Pearce] and I are fine now," he told the Newcastle Herald.

"We have both gone past it and moved on. Everyone including myself has been saying we are family here at the Knights and you don't throw one of your family out.

"You can be angry at them for a period of time and that was certainly the case but you get over it and get on with it and that's what we've done.

"It would be detrimental for our season if me and Junior were to hold any grudges against each other for what's happened. That would be ridiculous."

Pearce broke down during an emotion-charged apology in front of the playing group earlier this month but Fitzgibbon said he is not exactly sure who initiated the thawing in their relationship.

"I honestly can't remember, it just happened," he said. "Like I said, you get over it. At the end of the day, we didn't want this to affect our pre-season and to be honest, in the scheme of things, it really hasn't.

"We move forward - the whole group moves forward - and everyone is in a really good position to trial in a couple of weeks, leading into round one."

For Fitzgibbon, dwelling on any negatives could also prove counter-productive with the forward off contract at the end of this season with no guarantees his regular starting spot in the run-on side is safe following the signing of Tyson Frizell and the mooted move of Connor Watson to lock.

"It's definitely a really big year for myself," he said. "I'm off contract but hopefully I can put together a lot of good, consistent performances and contribute to our side going really well and having a big year."

IN OTHER NEWS:

For faster access to the latest Newcastle news download our NEWCASTLE HERALD APP and sign up for breaking news, sport and what's on sent directly to your email.