Cooper Cronk pursuit raises questions about Mitchell Pearce’s role at Roosters

THE fact that the Roosters are chasing Cooper Cronk highlights there is an obvious concern about Mitchell Pearce continuing as chief playmaker.

Mitchell Pearce’s role at the Roosters could change.

THE Sydney Roosters have no intention of forcing Mitchell Pearce out the door, even if they win the prized signature of Cooper Cronk.

The departing Melbourne halfback is expected to make a decision in the coming days about whether he will retire from the NRL or continue his career at a Sydney-based club.

The Roosters and South Sydney are said to be the only legitimate contenders if the 33-year-old stays in the NRL.

MORE: Roosters, Rabbitohs lead race to sign Cooper Cronk

Cronk is leaning towards playing next year and, if that happens, the Roosters seem the logical fit.

Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds is signed on until the end of 2021, while five-eighth Cody Walker — who filled in for Greg Inglis at fullback this year — is contracted until the end of next season.

The Roosters believe they can squeeze Cronk into their salary cap without losing any players given their high turnover of stars in recent years.

They include the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Minichiello, Michael Jennings, James Maloney and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Kane Evans, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Aiden Guerra, Paul Carter and Connor Watson have also moved on from this year’s squad.

Cronk is expected to make a decision about his NRL future in the coming days.

Rival clubs are watching with sceptical interest given the Roosters have signed James Tedesco, and already boast one of the strongest rosters in the NRL.

While the Roosters’ preference would be to keep Pearce, who is contracted until the end of 2019, it could depend on how he handles Cronk’s arrival if a deal goes ahead.

Pearce would have to give up the No. 7 jersey and potentially move to five-eighth or hooker.

That would create another problem for the Roosters given Luke Keary and Jake Friend are both signed until the end of next year.

Pearce is aware of the talk and no doubt it would make him uneasy, regardless of whether Cronk decides to play for the Roosters.

Mitchell Pearce’s role at the Roosters could change.

While no one wants to talk about it publicly, the fact the Roosters are chasing Cronk highlights there is an obvious concern about Pearce continuing as chief playmaker.

As brave and committed as he is, Pearce’s inability to handle the clutch moments in big matches has marred his career, and he was again exposed in this year’s finals series.

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Pearce made his debut in 2007 and the Roosters have put in more than a decade developing him into the player he is today.

Which is why they want him to play out his ­career at the club.

But at 28 there is also a legitimate debate about his composure under pressure playing halfback.

The discussion is a delicate subject but has come to a head because of Cronk’s move to ­Sydney.

There is a legitimate debate about Mitchell Pearce’s composure under pressure. Picture: Brett Costello

Cronk has said previously that he would make a decision by the end of this week.

The Roosters could partner Cronk and Pearce in the halves and play Keary off the bench, although the former South Sydney five-eighth had a terrific season and led Dally M Medal voting early in the year.

The possibility of Pearce switching to dummy half poses another problem given Friend is the team’s co-captain.

Friend was far from happy last year when the Roosters entertained the prospect of signing Robbie Farah.