GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Pearce Hanley of the Suns runs the ball during the 2017 JLT Community Series match at Broadbeach Sports Centre on February 19, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Pearce (Gold Coast) and Cian Hanley (Brisbane) have been granted compassionate leave to return to Ireland by their respective clubs.

The pair will return home to be by the side of their terminally ill brother, Tom.

A return date is yet to be determined.

The two clubs released a joint statement on Sunday night.

"The Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions Football Club wish to advise that Pearce and Cian Hanley will return to Ireland to deal with a private family matter," the statement read.

"The Suns and Lions will provide all the support the family needs during this challenging time.

"Both clubs ask that the media respect the privacy of the players and the Hanley family at this time."

Pearce collected 17 disposals in his debut for the Suns in the QClash on Saturday night, after crossing from the Lions during last year's trade period.