Mitchell Pearce's intricate knowledge of the Sydney Roosters shouldn't be forgotten as his NRL future remains uncertain, according to teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Pearce boarded a flight on Tuesday night to Hawaii, just days after being told the No.7 jersey he had worn at the Roosters since 2007 was seriously under threat.
It's there - along with a subsequent trip to New York - he will likely consider his next move, and whether he will se out the final two years of his contract alongside newly signed Queensland and Australian halfback Cooper Cronk.
But while Waerea-Hargreaves welcomed Cronk's arrival, he said Pearce's knowledge of the Roosters' structures made it important that he too remained at the club.
"To get an addition like Cooper Cronk is super important," Waerea-Hargreaves said.
"But to have somebody that knows the game better than our coaches at the Roosters, gee I hope he stays.
"Obviously, he is a close mate of mine and what he has done for my game and also the Roosters."
If Pearce does opt to request a release from the Roosters, a number of clubs will be ready to swoop.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown confirmed last week the Knights had the salary-cap space and desire to land him. Manly and Cronulla have also been linked to the 28-year-old.
But Roosters powerbrokers, including coach Trent Robinson, maintain Pearce and Cronk can co-exist at the club.
Cronk called Pearce on Monday before his move from Melbourne was confirmed, and enforced his belief that the pair could form a dynamic trio along with fellow playmaker Luke Keary.
And when asked if Pearce and Cronk could fit into the same side, Waerea-Hargreaves insisted they could.
"I hope so - absolutely I think they can," Waerea-Hargreaves said.
"(Cronk's arrival) is good for us. It's really exciting to have somebody with the experience and winning success he's had."
