Monday news wrap

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Contract news has been the talk of Monday with several clubs confirming changes around the NRL.

Pearce released

The Sydney Roosters have confirmed they've released halfback Mitchell Pearce just weeks after signing former Storm half Cooper Cronk. The release is with immediate effect.

"Mitchell has been a big part of the Sydney Roosters Club for more than a decade. He's played 11 seasons of NRL and is among the most-capped players in our Club's history," said Sydney Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis AM.

"We all love Pearcey - he has developed very strong relationships with a number of people at the Club and we have been through a lot together. While it would have been great to see him continue to add to his legacy at the Roosters, we respect his decision.

"Mitchell will always be a Rooster, and he leaves with our sincerest thanks and very best wishes," added Mr Politis AM.

Manly cut Green

On the same afternoon, Blake Green has been released from the last year of his Sea Eagles contract. With the club unsure of his future there beyond 2018 and an opportunity at the Warriors becoming available, the 31-year-old was granted the release by incoming CEO Lyall Gorman.

"The Club has been advised that Blake has received an opportunity to continue his NRL career elsewhere over the next few years and in the interest of Blake and his family's long-term future, has agreed to release him now,'' Manly CEO Lyall Gorman said.

"We are comfortable with this decision as Blake is off contract at the end of the 2018 season and we are unsure of the likelihood of his contract being extended past that period.

"By granting his request, it enables Blake and his young family the chance to secure their future and at the same time give our Club the opportunity to go into the market to find the right replacement for him.

"We wish Blake and his family all the best and thank him for his valuable contribution to the Club on and off the field during his time with us."

Re-signed, not resigned

Both Canberra and Penrith have positive news for fans with key players locked in long term.

English hooker Josh Hodgson has committed to a four-year contract extension which sees him remain at the Raiders until 2022.

"There's no way I'd sign long term if I didn't believe this group of players were able to achieve great things, so a big part of the decision was staying at a club who I believe will have long-term success," he said. "We know our results last season were not acceptable and I know the group is already back in Canberra working hard to make sure things are better in 2018 and beyond that.

"I'm really enjoying the World Cup experience and hopefully we can continue through the tournament, but I'm also looking forward to getting home and working with the rest of the squad as we get ready for next season."

Meanwhile, after the departure of former captain Matt Moylan, the Panthers have moved to secure young half Tyrone May with the 21-year-old adding two years to his existing deal. May will see out his 2018-2020 seasons at the foot of the mountains.

"I was always focused on staying here and I never really wanted to leave," May said.

"When the (contract) offer came up, I just accepted and was really happy and excited.

"It's really good that Panthers have shown faith in me even though I've got an injury."

Brennan takes the Rein

Former Dragons and Panthers hooker Mitch Rein has switched camps, following Garth Brennan to the struggling Gold Coast Titans. The one year deal will see him keep the pressure on starting hooker Nathan Peats.

"My goal is to play first grade," Rein said.

"There is a lot of hard work to be done before we play. I've got to put myself in a position where if I am called upon, I am ready."

Rein, who has begun pre-season training on the Gold Coast, had no doubt Peats would slot back in to the hooking role in 2018.

"He is a great player and will come back," Rein said of Peats.

"It is good to have healthy competition and I will be doing everything I can to get into the 17 anywhere.

"It will be good to work alongside [Peats] to see what he does and how he prepares."