Sydney Roosters keen to re-sign Mitchell Pearce on long-term NRL deal

MITCHELL Pearce made his debut as a Rooster in 2007 and if club officials get their wish, he will see out his career wearing the red, white and blue.

Mitchell Pearce is in negotiations to re-sign a long term deal with the Roosters. Picture: Gregg Porteous

MITCHELL Pearce has emulated his famous father by representing NSW and now the halfback looks set to follow suit by becoming a one-club player.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Sydney Roosters have opened preliminary negotiations to re-sign Pearce and ensure he spends his entire career in the red, white and blue.

Roosters officials hopes to have Pearce’s contract nailed down by early in the new year. The exact duration is yet to be determined but a three-year extension is most likely for the playmaker, who turns 28 in April.

He has made 215 NRL appearances — equal sixth on the list of most appearances for the Roosters —. and barring lengthy injury or suspensions, he should break the record of 302 games set by legendary fullback Anthony Minichiello if he agrees to a long-term extension.

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Mitchell Pearce is all smiles as he talks to coach Trent Robinson at training. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Wayne, 56, only played for Balmain from 1980 to 1990, making 192 first-grade games appearance to be fifth on the Tigers’ honour roll.

“Pearcey is certainly a loyal guy, like his dad,” Minichiello said. “He’ll be a Rooster for life, hopefully. He will play the most games for the club, without doubt. You don’t see that many one-club players these days because of the whole business of the NRL.”

Pearce has scored 55 tries for the Sydney Roosters and represented NSW 15 times since his debut in 2007.

Roosters chief executive officer John Lee would not comment on any of the club’s recruitment plans.

Pearce, who is due to come off contract at the end of next season, has enjoyed a stellar yet controversial career his with football highlights marred by off-field dramas.

NSW coach Laurie Daley praised Pearce for his loyalty and has not ruled out recalling the halfback for Origin duty if his form warrants consideration in 2017.

Mitchell Pearce is in negotiations to re-sign with the Roosters on a long-term deal. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“He just loves rugby league,” Daley said. “He wants to be a better player and person. I am sure Mitch wants to stay out of the headlines and just concentrate on his footy.

“Mitch has always been open and honest about everything he has done. He never hid or shied away from anything. He is a guy that has plenty of ability and he has his best footy in front of him.

“He has had his issues he has faced in the past but by all reports he has going terrific. He is in the right head space and hopefully he will put his best foot forward for the Chooks this coming season and you never know what will come of that.

“He has made some decisions that he hasn’t been proud of but he has always bounced back.”

Most Games for Balmain

Player: Seasons and Games

Paul Sironen: 1986 — 1998 246

Garry Jack: 1982 — 1995 244

Ben Elias: 1982 — 1994 234

Keith Barnes: 1955 — 1968 194

Wayne Pearce: 1980 — 1990 192

Garry Jack and Bruce McGuire hoist Tigers' player Wayne Pearce on their shoulders during his lap of honour after his final match.

Most Games for Sydney Roosters

Player: Seasons and Games

Anthony Minichiello: 2000-2014 302

Luke Ricketson: 1991-2005 301

Kevin Hastings: 1976-1987 228

Craig Fitzgibbon: 2000-2009 228

Brad Fittler: 1996-2004 217

Mitchell Pearce: 2007-2016 215

Shaun Kenny-Dowall: 2007-2016 215

Info: Fox Sports Stats