Johnathan Thurston has revealed his thoughts on the Mitchell Pearce situation, and appears to believe the 28-year-old should have stayed at the Roosters and learnt from Cooper Cronk.

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Pearce was granted an immediate release from his contract with the Roosters with two years remaining on the deal, and it looks as if Manly, Newcastle, Cronulla, Melbourne, Storm and Canberra are in a race to sign the halfback.

Thurston understands Pearce's motivation, but thinks the former Rooster could have developed his game under the wing of veteran Cronk.

“Yes and no (on understanding Pearce's decision). I think being the chief playmaker there for the amount of time that he has been. It’s a little bit harsh, but then I think he’s only 27 or 28 years of age," Thurston said.

"He would learn a lot off Cooper for the two years that Cooper is there. He could win another two or three premierships after Cooper’s gone, or even while Cooper’s there. Obviously he’s asked for the release, he thinks he needs a freshen up and wants to go somewhere else. That’s just the way that rugby league is these days.

“Cooper’s a big-game player. Knows how to get the job done. I think that’s what Mitch has probably lacked over his career. How to close out big games, how to win big games. The best players know how to do that, especially when you are under fatigue, when your backs are against the wall.

“That’s what Cooper has done throughout his whole career. That’s what the great players do and I think he could have learnt a lot off Cooper but he thinks he’s best elsewhere.”

Out of all the suitors, Pearce has been linked with Manly for the longest, and after the Sea Eagles released Blake Green it does open the door for Pearce to head to the Northern Beaches.

“They’ve got obviously a strong squad too the Sea Eagles," Thurston said.

"Obviously DCE is the chief playmaker - Mitchell going there would only add to the spark they’ve already got.

"No doubt if he does go there, they’d be a team to look out for."