Mitchell Pearce could take up to a week to decide his NRL future

MANLY, Cronulla and Newcastle are locked in a three-way chequebook war for Mitchell Pearce’s signature.

Mitchell Pearce is in no rush to decide his future.

IT could take up to a week before Mitchell Pearce decides his NRL future, with Manly, Cronulla and Newcastle locked in a three-way chequebook war for his signature.

The transfer market went into overdrive on Monday afternoon when the Roosters released Pearce with two years remaining on his contract.

The NSW Origin halfback will now meet with the interested clubs in the coming days before weighing up the offers and making a decision.

Manly looked to have secured Pearce’s services on Monday when they released five-eighth Blake Green to join the Warriors on a three-year deal.

The Sea Eagles said the simultaneous timing of Green and Pearce’s departure were coincidental, but there is no denying their interest in the ex-Roosters playmaker.

Pearce would form a potent combination in the Manly halves with Daly Cherry-Evans, while he could benefit from playing alongside rising stars Jake and Tom Trbojevic.

Mitchell Pearce is in no rush to decide his future.

The only concern about linking with the Sea Eagles is the fact he will have to play behind star half Cherry-Evans, which goes against his desire to be the main playmaker.

This is where Cronulla have a legitimate chance of securing Pearce’s signature. The Sharks will allow him to play in his preferred halfback position alongside Chad Townsend, while their star-studded team gives him a realistic chance of winning the title.

Cronulla possess a potent blend of youth and experience with veterans Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis teaming up with rising stars Valentine Holmes and Matt Moylan.

Pearce also has close relationships with a number of Sharks players from his time in NSW Origin camp.

The third option for Pearce is Newcastle, who has the most money to spend under the salary cap.

The Knights have approximately $2 million available to sign players and they would love to add a high-profile player to their emerging squad.

Mitchell Pearce is in no rush to decide his future.

Pearce would play halfback at Newcastle, while he also would have the benefit of joining former Roosters teammates in Aidan Guerra, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Connor Watson.

Compared to Manly and Cronulla, though, the Knights are rebuilding and still have some way to go before they are genuine premiership contenders.

This could weigh heavily on Pearce’s decision, especially if we wants to add another title to his resume.

Brisbane and Melbourne have also expressed interest in Pearce, but they remain unlikely destinations.

It’s understood the Broncos don’t have enough money under the salary cap to sign the former Roosters half.