Sharks players are trying to lure Mitchell Pearce from Bondi to Cronulla
SENIOR Sharks players have been texting Mitchell Pearce in a bid to lure the disgruntled Sydney Roosters star to Cronulla.
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SENIOR Sharks players have been texting Mitchell Pearce in a bid to lure the disgruntled Sydney Roosters star to Cronulla.
And Manly officials have been working feverishly behind the scenes to give their club the best chance of landing the NSW halfback.
Pearce will return from a US holiday as early as Friday to either remains a Rooster or seek an immediate release following the club’s signing of Cooper Cronk to a two-year, $2 million move.
The Daily Telegraph understands Sharks premiership-winning players Paul Gallen and Wade Graham have been texting Pearce, providing reasons why Cronulla would be an attractive destination.
The trio are good mates through their days in the NSW State of Origin side.
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Graham is preparing for a World Cup quarter-final in Darwin with the Kangaroos.
Even with last week’s signing of Matt Moylan, the Sharks say they have enough room in their salary cap to secure Pearce.
Any decision will have to made quickly though given the Roosters, Manly and Cronulla will all be back to pre-season training next week.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson and powerful chairman Nick Politis have publicly tried convincing Pearce to remain at the club.
Pearce, 28, still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Roosters, where he has been since 2007. W
Newcastle are also monitoring the Pearce drama and could lodge the largest offer of any suitor.
But Manly and Cronulla appear Pearce’s likely destinations should he decide to leave the Roosters.
Pearce has been urged by mates to consider his future with clarity and a clear head.
Manly officials think Pearce would be an ideal fit at Brookvale. The club won’t release five-eighth Blake Green to the Warriors until Pearce makes his decision.
Should Pearce join Manly, the Sea Eagles would likely release Green. If Pearce stays, Green would be told to fulfil his contract obligations at Manly for 2018.
Manly coach Trent Barrett has been forced to play the waiting game.
Green has told friends he wants to take up the Warriors’ rich three-year offer.
Pearce left New York on Sunday bound for Hawaii. He has been away for more than a fortnight with girlfriend Zoe Grant.
Originally published as Sharks players are trying to lure Mitchell Pearce from Bondi to Cronulla