Mitchell Pearce's decision to leave the Sydney Roosters will prolong his NRL career and make him a better player, according to his long-time State of Origin coach Laurie Daley.
Daley has been one of Pearce's staunchest supporters, having picked him for three Origin series during his five-year tenure as NSW coach before it ended this year.
And while Daley said he felt for Pearce after he'd virtually been replaced by arch-rival Cooper Cronk at the Roosters, he expected the decision to leave his childhood club would benefit the NSW halfback in the long run.
"While it's sad he's decided to move on, he'll probably get more years out of his footy career by doing it," Daley said.
"He's thought about it and will be highly motivated to go to that club and play good football and earn respect of not only his teammates but fans and supporters.
"He's 28 years of age and has all of a sudden been at a club for 11 years and now it's time to move.
"I'm sure we'll see the best of Mitch next year."
Where that will be remains to be seen.
Manly are hotly tipped to be the frontrunners for Pearce's signature, while Cronulla and Newcastle have also declared their interest.
Pearce made it clear to the Roosters he wanted to wear the No.7 jersey on his departure this week following the signing of Cronk.
A move to the Sea Eagles would mean forming a combination with former Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who has reportedly offered to move to No.6 to accommodate Pearce's arrival.
Such a shift would likely suit both players' games, given Cherry-Evans is a dangerous runner of the ball and was back to his best in 2017 with Blake Green organising the play around him.
And while Daley said he believed the pair of 28-year-olds would work well together, he was most excited about what the prospect of former NSW Origin assistant Trent Barrett could do to Pearce's game.
"They (Pearce and Cherry-Evans) could combine well and I think going to Manly under Baz (Barrett) could be a benefit to him," Daley said.
"Baz, being an ex-five-eighth, would take a key interest in him.
"He'll have a different outlook on things now and jump into a new club excited and refreshed."
Barrett and Pearce's relationship also dates back to 2010, when the pair played in the halves together for NSW.
