NRLThe Sydney Roosters have released NSW Origin halfback Mitchell Pearce from his club contract, with the playmaker looking for a new club for the 2018 season and beyond.
“Mitchell has been a big part of the Sydney Roosters Club for more than a decade. He’s played 11 seasons of NRL and is among the most-capped players in our Club’s history,” said Sydney Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis AM.
“We all love Pearcey – he has developed very strong relationships with a number of people at the Club and we have been through a lot together. While it would have been great to see him continue to add to his legacy at the Roosters, we respect his decision.
“Mitchell will always be a Rooster, and he leaves with our sincerest thanks and very best wishes,” added Mr Politis AM.
Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson echoed the sentiments of Mr Politis AM and thanked Pearce for his contribution to the side.
“We’ve been through a lot and I have a lot of respect for Junior both as a footballer and as a man,” said Robinson.
“I’d personally like to thank Pearcey for the role he’s played at the Roosters. He’s a good person who will always have many friends at the Club and I know I speak on behalf of everyone in wishing him all the very best,” he added.
“Obviously, this hasn’t been an easy decision for me to come to, but I feel that it’s the right one,” said Pearce.
“I’ve been with the Roosters since I was 17 and have grown into a man here. I’ve made a lot of close friends at the Club, and I’ve always been proud to wear the Roosters jersey. The Roosters Club and people there will always mean a lot to me, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenge joining a new club will bring, while continuing to push myself to be the best halfback I can be. Now that I’ve made this decision, hopefully I’ll have the rest of my future sorted over the next few weeks,” he added.
Pearce was used extensively in the Blues halves under former coach Laurie Daley.
It remains to be seen where Pearce will play in 2018, but Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla have all expressed interest in the playmaker.
