The race to sign Cooper Cronk is seemingly down to two NRL clubs after Parramatta pulled out of the running to secure his signature.

The Eels were believed to be in the picture alongside the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla to lure the Sydney-bound Melbourne halfback to the club next season.

But Parramatta chief executive Bernie Gurr has told News Corp Australia they would stick with their current halves combination of Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses for next year.

“We’re not in the race for Cooper Cronk,” Gurr said.

“When we looked at our roster and our positional needs we have opted to go in another direction.”

Cronk sparked the latest series of headlines when he told his manager George Mimis last week he was ready to explore options to play on in Sydney next season.

The Roosters remain the favourites to secure the Queensland and Australian halfback, but Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has also declared his interest in Cronk.