Sydney Roosters have granted Anthony Mitchell an immediate release to join NRL rivals North Queensland, but there is still no decision on whether they will do the same for Canterbury-bound winger Sam Perrett.

Roosters coach Brian Smith met with Mitchell on Monday where it was determined he would be allowed to take up a deal with the Cowboys for the remainder of this year and 2013.

Mitchell, who hails from Townsville, will provide the Cowboys with some depth at hooker with James Segeyaro to miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

Segeyaro is off to Penrith in 2013, meaning Mitchell could get first crack at being the eventual replacement to longtime No.9 Aaron Payne.

“A Townsville Brothers junior, we are aware of Anthony’s ties to far north Queensland and recognise that this is a wonderful opportunity for him to go home to his family and secure his future,” Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce said in a statement.

But mystery still surrounds Perrett’s immediate future, with the former Kiwi Test representative desperate to make a move to the Bulldogs before the June 30 deadline after which players are no longer permitted to change clubs.

It was believed he would be allowed to leave following Sunday’s game against Manly, when the absence of a few outside backs necessitated his presence at the club.

The Roosters were hammered 52-14 with Perrett having an unhappy afternoon despite scoring one of the Roosters’ three tries.

AAP sj