Mitchell Pearce has informed Trent Robinson that he’s set to explore his options at rival clubs, paving the way for Cooper Cronk to sign with the Sydney Roosters.
Parramatta and Cronulla have both pulled out of the race for the Maroon’s half, leaving the tricolours as the sole suitors for the halfback’s signature. Though unfortunately for the Bondi club, it’s set to cost them one of their favourite sons.
Pearce debuted for the Roosters in 2007, featuring in 238 NRL games for the club, captaining them on multiple occasions as well as leading the side to a 2013 premiership. At only 28 years of age, Pearce has a lot of football in front of him.
Despite being under contract until the end of 2019, Pearce is set to walk following claims that Luke Keary is in deep negotiations on a three-year contract extension, along with the impending announcement of Cooper Cronk on a two-year deal.
Reports have already emerged that the Manly Sea Eagles are set to pounce on Pearce if he is to be released, in effect releasing Blake Green to join the New Zealand Warriors.
The Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights are also watching Pearce closely.
Controversy has plagued Pearce throughout his eleven year NRL career, though his on-field performances have justified his retention to the Bondi club. While his State of Origin form has been mixed to put it kindly, his club game has always been strong, and his combination with Luke Keary has flourished in such a short amount of time.
But Trent Robinson’s apparent desperation for a second premiership is set to see all that go out the window, with the recruitment of Origin superstars Cronk and James Tedesco.
Despite Nick Politis stating he wants Pearce playing with the Roosters ‘until he’s 35’, it now appears the club won’t stand in his way if he does officially request a release. Chewing up close to $1 million of the salary cap, it’d be insanity to keep Pearce there when his heart isn’t in it anymore.
The Roosters favouritism for the 2018 premiership is set to firm when the tricolours do announce the signing of the Kangaroo’s half, a spine of James Tedesco, Luke Keary, Cooper Cronk and Jake Friend one of the most formidable in the competition.
Cronk is expected to fly to Sydney following Australia’s match against England on Friday night, with an official announcement coming next week. Meanwhile, Pearce is set to holiday over in America and will sort out his future when he returns.
Looking at it now, it appears Mitchell Pearce’s days at Bondi are all but over.
Comments are closed.