Jack Bird update

PARRAMATTA coach Brad Arthur has hailed Jack Bird as a winner as they set their sights on snatching him from Cronulla’s grasp.Ahead of their NRL showdown with the Sharks at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, the Eels have entered the race for the NSW Origin star’s highly-prized signature and are reportedly in a position to match Newcastle’s three-year $2.7 million offer.With the Sharks trying to juggle their cap and retain the likes of captain-in- waiting Wade Graham, Parramatta are in a strong position with room to move in their salary cap next season.Bird is already a title winner at the age of 22 and would be viewed by the Eels as the missing piece in their premiership puzzle.“We never discuss recruitment,” coach Brad Arthur said.“But in terms of what he offers Cronulla, he’s a winner. He’s a tryscorer and he’s someone that competes for everything.”Jack Bird during training at the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Brett CostelloJack Bird during training at the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: Brett CostelloSource: News Corp AustraliaIt’s difficult to see where Bird would fit into the Eels’ line up after they re- signed five-eighth Clint Gutherson and fullback Bevan French — who occupy two positions Bird is known to favour.Bird has made no secret that which position he is offered will have a large bearing on who he signs with.He burst onto the scene as a five-eighth, winning the Dally M rookie of the year award in 2015; and Gutherson is capable of playing anywhere in the backline.A halves combination of Bird and Corey Norman would have the blue and gold faithful licking their lips and would be a major step in moving beyond Kieran Foran’s painful exit last year.Jack Bird speaks to media.Jack Bird speaks to media.Source: News Corp AustraliaBird has starred for the Sharks since being moved to fullback over the last fortnight and it’s been floated that French could move into the No.6 at the Eels.Asked why Bird was more dangerous in the No.1 jersey — where he has again been named to play on Saturday night — Arthur said: “He’s harder to defend because you just don’t know where he’s going to pop up and he gets his hands on the footy a lot more.”Find this on http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/eels/parramatta-eels-set-sights-on-snaring-cronulla-sharks-star-jack-bird/news-story/a778d3fe31ea9b21da577d72a8f9d76b

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • Norman and Bird in the halves with French at Fullback and Gutho as a ball playing centre. That would be an exciting team to watch!

    • Based on BA's game plan, Bird at lock can still have him perform as a roving second 5/8 and fullback in attack.

      Some ideas I'm dreaming for our 2018 Squad

      1. Bevan French

      2. Semi Radradra - miracle buy backs do happen 

      3. Michael Jennings 

      4. Hayne on the cap cheap with a huge 3rd party or Guth, Auva'a, Taka or Hoffman 

      5. ? Not sure about Hoffman at wing - Schulte or Niukore or George Jennings or Auva'a or some other, big, fast, powerful winger rucking out.......... 

      6. Guth or Bird

      7 Norman

      8. Matagi 

      9. Josh Reynolds 

      10.  Mannah or Vave 

      11. Mau

      12. Tepai

      13 Bird

      Bench possibilities - not in any particular order 

      Edwards

      Brown 

      Alvaro 

      Mannah

      Vave 

      Hoffman 

      Brad Takairangi 

      Frank Pritchard possibly has retired but if not.........

      Kaysa Pitchard

      Beau Scott may have retired but if not 

      Terepo

      Alex Twal - should be ready for introduction into the NRL by then - massive future in the nrl

      Ualesi - unless he's gone backwards I still think he has a future in the NRL somewhere down the line

      Rory O'Brien

      Scott Schulte - should be ready for NRL by now - could take the 5 spot 

      Niukore

      George Jennings

      Auva'a 

      Jack Morris - he'll be getting close to ready for intro into the NRL - massive future in the nrl 

      Cody Nelson 

      Will Smith 

      Kelepi Tangiona  - he might be gone 

      Cameron King

      James Hasson 

      George Jennings - could take the 5 spot 

      Bureta Fairamo - he might be gone 

      John Folau 

      Jamal Fogerty 

      Troy Dargan 

      Gone

      Jeff Robson

      David Gower 

      De Gois

      Possibly Gone

      Beau Scott 

      Frank Pritchard

      Bureta Fairamo 

      Telep Tangiona 

      Ualesi ? 

      Cody Nelson ? 

  • I have no doubt that if we are after him for real the lock talk is purely to show respect to gutho and not put him off. What I mean is in my opinion if bird comes for the reported amount then he is definitely playing 6.
  • Cronulla can't compete with the cash flying round.
  • Omg please no!!!!
  • With all the players coming off contract Bird would have to be one of the best. As for Gutho surely he would like Bird in the team even if he had to play centre. Injuries always happen and you have got your perfect replacement....

  • Gutho has signed and extended and is locked up for the next 2 years. Not sure why some on here are worrying about Gutho the deal is done, time to move on to the next recruitment for BA!!!

This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

MeelK replied to Cʜɪᴇғ -'s discussion Big News On Lomax
"I'd sign for that."
2 hours ago
LB replied to Cʜɪᴇғ -'s discussion Big News On Lomax
"Look i think it is more than just being put on the Wing. I think Flanno is a reason. Wanting to play semi's is another.
I think a move away will be an awakening for Lomax. He was on with Fltech and Hindy with Lawrie in 2022 and he mimicked Griffin.…"
3 hours ago
AlShaw replied to Cʜɪᴇғ -'s discussion Big News On Lomax
"600k is OK for the right winger. The Panthers sets are built on what their back 3 do on tackle one. The more momentum at the start of a set the more expansive a team can play but if our back three are getting smashed on tackle one and two it puts…"
3 hours ago
Uncle Wizards Sleeve indigenous elder He/Him replied to Cʜɪᴇғ -'s discussion Big News On Lomax
"Agree , need to keep him. "
3 hours ago
More…