Disgruntled Sydney Roosters halfback has today been granted an official release from his playing contract.

Returning from his holiday in the US with his girlfriend Zoe Grant, Pearce informed coach Trent Robinson over lunch about his decision to depart Bondi.

“Obviously, this hasn’t been an easy decision for me to come to, but I feel that it’s the right one,” Pearce said.

“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.”

Pearce’s decision was based on the fact that he was bound to be overshadowed by Australian halfback Cooper Cronk at the Roosters next season.

Five clubs have expressed interest in Mitchell Pearce with the halves merry-go-round set to continue.

The front-runners for his prized signature include the Cronulla Sharks, Manly Sea Eagles, and Newcastle Knights. Brisbane and Melbourne have also expressed interest in the origin halfback.

It’s understood that Manly will big a ‘huge’ play for Pearce to head up north to Brookvale, however, their CEO Lyall Gorman insists otherwise.

Despite the fact that Blake Green was released by Manly at the same time as Pearce, it’s ‘purely coincidental’ according to Gorman.

“I can assure you there have been no discussions with Mitch,” Gorman said.

“It’s purely coincidental the announcements have come out in the last 10 minutes.

“Blake had a long-term opportunity at another club, and we weren’t sure where we’d go with him after 2018, it’s not to set a precedent, but in this case, we were happy to support Blake and help him secure the long-term security for his family.

“We’re very conscious of the protocols of the game, but if a talented footballer comes on to the market, it’s incumbent upon us to listen on behalf of our members and fans and corporate partners.”

Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan was unaware of Pearce’s departure until contacted by the Daily Telegraph. The premiership-winning coach insists:

“From our perspective, nothing has changed. It will be ‘heads-down bum up’, and we’ll be continuing with our pre-season,” Flanagan said.

NSW and Sharks teammates Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan have been in contact with Pearce to convince him to move to the Shire.

Steve Roach, a friend of Pearce’s father, admits his dismay over their signing of Cronk.

“I would have done the same thing,’’ Roach said.

“They could play together, but he’s been the halfback there for a decade, and it’s virtually saying ‘you can’t do the job’, so you’re better off going somewhere they think you can.”

The Roosters today farewell their junior, after an amazing run of 238 games, the youngest player in NRL history to hit the outstanding milestone.

“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,” Roosters chairman Nick Politis said.

“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.”