Nov 21st, 2017

Nov 21st, 2017

Former Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce has spoken to media a day after he was granted a release from the club.

Pearce had two years left on his deal with the Roosters but the arrival of former Melbourne Storm halfback Cooper Cronk put the NSW Blues star in an awkward position.

Despite assurances from coach Trent Robinson and Cronk that the club wanted the pair to work together in the halves and that there was more to gain than to lose from the move, Pearce obviously felt differently.

After playing at the club for a decade, the 28-year-old said the departure from Bondi was far from easy.

"It's a really emotional time, it still is, obviously sinking in," Pearce said after having lunch with former teammates.

"But I had to make a choice either way and I'm excited for the next challenge now."

The race is now on for clubs vying for his signature, with Cronulla, Newcastle and Manly among the teams interested in his services for 2018.

"I'm just going to back myself and I'm looking forward to the opportunities," Pearce said.

He couldn't reveal what his preferences were for where he would land next, but confirmed his team have begun to explore his options and will meet with clubs in the coming days.

"I've only just started [looking around]," Pearce said.

"Like I said, I'm excited to see what's out there in the next few days."