A high-profile supporter of Mitchell Pearce has rubbished suggestions that he could learn from Cooper Cronk as a mature-age understudy at the Sydney Roosters, saying the club's pursuit of the Kangaroos No.7 was a "big kick in the guts" for their long-time halfback.

The Roosters are expected to escalate their bid to lure Cronk to the eastern suburbs with chairman Nick Politis arriving back from overseas on Sunday and planning to meet with Roosters coach Trent Robinson early this week to discuss making a play for the 33-year-old and how his signing would affect others at the club.

Playmakers: Speculation over the futures of Mitchell Pearce and Cooper Cronk continues unabated. Credit:AAP

Chief among them is Pearce, who was also due back in Sydney on Monday after several days away in Orange. Speculation about his future has heated up since Cronk on Friday asked his manager, George Mimis, to explore playing options in 2018.

While Manly and Cronulla are watching closely to see if Pearce is prompted to look elsewhere, the Roosters have indicated they want him to learn from Cronk and become the best halfback in the game.