Sydney Roosters release Sam Perrett to join Canterbury Bulldogs

SAM Perrett has finally been granted a release from the Sydney Roosters and will join the Bulldogs immediately.

SAM Perrett has this afternoon finally been granted a release to join the Bulldogs immediately.

The Roosters issued a statement to announce they had reluctantly agreed to grant the New Zealand winger an immediate release, despite desperately hoping Perrett would reconsider his decision to part ways with the Bondi club early.

Perrett has now signed with the Bulldogs on a deal that will keep him at Belmore until the end of 2015.

The 27-year-old met with Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce yesterday morning, where the club urged him to reconsider his decision to leave in the middle of the 2012 premiership.

However, with Perrett not in their future plans beyond this season, the club eventually agreed to release him from the remainder of his contract with the club.

Perrett will be joined at the Bulldogs by younger brother Lloyd, who represented Queensland in its win over NSW Under 18’s at ANZ Stadium prior to State of Origin two last week in Sydney.

The younger Perrett will take the space in the Bulldogs Toyota Cup program vacated by Samisoni Langi, who will now join the Roosters immediately after signing with them for 2013 earlier in the season.

Noyce said: "First and foremost, Sam is a husband and father to three young children and the club respects the reason for his request for an early release. While his leadership and experience will be missed, we did not want to prevent him taking up the opportunity to secure his future for the next three and a half years.

"Since making his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2004, Sam has been a wonderful ambassador both on and away from the football field.

"On behalf of everyone associated with the Sydney Roosters, we wish Sam and his young family all the very best and thank him for his contribution to our club.''

Perrett said it would be difficult to leave the Roosters after spending more than eight seasons at the club.

"The Sydney Roosters have played a huge role in the person I am today,'' Perrett said.

"From the players, coaches, staff, sponsors and members, it's been like family and while I might be moving on, this club and everyone associated with it will always hold a special place in my heart.''

Perrett's decision to leave the club comes just 24 hours after utility Anthony Mitchell was also granted a release to join the Cowboys.

Perrett would have been available to play for the Bulldogs this weekend, but will have to wait until round 18 because the club has a bye this round.