Pearce re-signs with Roosters

The Roosters will begin their 2009 premiership campaign with an extra spring in their step after securing the services of boom half-back Mitchell Pearce for a further three years.

Off contract at the end of 2010, the NSW No.7 will remain at the club until at least the end of 2013.

On the eve of his side's season-opener against South Sydney, Pearce was delighted to have his long-term future settled.

"It is just great to know that I am going to be here for quite a while. That gives me the opportunity to concentrate completely on my football and not worry about contracts for the next few years," he said on Saturday.

"It’s great to be able to repay the club's faith in me and step up into a more senior role within the team."

"The next four years is pretty big for your development and I think that it's a good place (to) develop… good coach, good bunch of boys and the club always fields a strong team, so I’m pretty confident about the future."

Coach Brad Fittler welcomed the news of Pearce's re-signing, declaring: "Mitchell is a great young kid and has the world at his feet."

"I am glad that he has committed to the Roosters and am looking forward to watching him grow."

"He has the brightest future as a player and I think he allows the Roosters to be competitive for the next five years."

"He's so competitive as he will drive players through and make them better players."

CEO Steve Noyce added: "Mitchell is obviously a talented player and a major asset to any club. We are happy to have his future at the club secured for the long term."