Sam Perrett farewells Roosters teammates but switch to Bullodgs is in limbo

SAM Perrett's mid-season move to Canterbury is sensationally off, with the Roosters yesterday refusing to grant a release.

SAM Perrett's mid-season move to Canterbury is sensationally off, with the Roosters yesterday refusing to grant a release.

The Roosters veteran bid his teammates an emotional farewell after agreeing to an immediate transfer.

But the move was stalled just hours later, when Roosters coach Brian Smith and CEO Steve Noyce intervened.

While both clubs and Perrett's agent failed to comment last night, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Perrett's talented little brother Lloyd is crucial to the impasse. Bulldogs officials also want the 18-year-old front-rower at Belmore straight away and have offered him a full-time pay packet.

It's understood the Roosters did not become aware of Canterbury's desire to recruit Lloyd until after they'd verbally agreed to transfer Perrett.The Kiwi winger had been in talks to defect from next season for several weeks.

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But an earlier move emerged for two reasons.

Sources close to the 28-year-old claim he was keen to change clubs and re-invigorate his career under Bulldogs coach Des Hasler as soon as possible.

And the Bulldogs saw Perrett's imminent arrival as a godsend, given they have barely any outside backs available after season-ending injuries to Tim Lafai, Steve Turner and Mitch Brown.

Winger Michael Lett also quit the club last month for a better paying job in the Illawarra coalmines, while Bryson Goodwin will not be fit for at least another fortnight after rupturing his spleen.

Bulldogs insiders say Perrett received informal permission to leave last week and agreed to a 3 1/2-year deal on Friday.

Perrett approached Sunday's game against Wests as his last in a Roosters jersey and told selected teammates as much after full-time.

He then fronted at yesterday morning's recovery session at Coogee Beach for a final goodbye and remained fully clothed as the team braved the chilly swell.

He received plenty of hugs, including a long embrace with fellow Kiwi Frank-Paul Nuuausala.

Speaking afterwards, Roosters players appeared resigned to him leaving.

"Sam Perrett is a great bloke, I've got the utmost respect for him and he's always had plenty of time for the young blokes like myself," baby-faced Roosters forward Lama Tasi said. "After yesterday he killed it, it was like it was back to the old Sam Perrett who we know can play."

Anthony Minichiello added: "He's such a great player for the club, and being connected with him and the other wingers the last six years or so, if he does leave it will be sad to see him go. The team is close, and he's such a great player and good leader both on and off the field.

"He's a role model for everyone," Minichiello said.

The Bulldogs last night remained hopeful of securing Perrett for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash against Melbourne Storm in Mackay.

They've also allowed young forward Samisoni Langi, who has already agreed to join the Roosters in 2013, to head to Bondi now as part of the deal.

Should Perrett get a release the Roosters could ask Manly for the immediate services of speedster Michael Oldfield, who agreed to a two-year deal over the weekend.

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