JACK Bird will clash with Parramatta players on Saturday night — then sit down with Eels management as early as next week as the race for his signature heats up.
Cashed-up Parramatta see Bird as an ideal No. 6 along side Corey Norman, and more importantly have money in their cap to match the reported $2.7 million three-year deal tabled by Newcastle.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan remained confident Bird would remain at the premiers, and pointed out Parramatta had only recently extended the deals of their own five-eighth Clint Gutherson and fullback Bevan French.
He also hoped the bond created by the Sharks’ historic first premiership would help Bird stay put.
“Quality players will always get offers, but I’m confident Jack will stay,’’ Flanagan told The Daily Telegraph.
“Plus, Parramatta’s No. 6 (Clint Gutherson) recently re-signed, and so did their fullback Bevan French, two positions Birdy likes to play.
“We want this squad to stay together, and winning a grand final creates a special bond between this group.
“As players have done in the past, like some of our leaders, including ‘Gal’ (Paul Gallen), they’ve stayed for less knowing what they had here.
“I am sure ‘JT’, Cam Smith, Cooper (Cronk), even guys like Joey Johns, they would have had better offers from other clubs, but mateship, team culture and attitude all mattered to them more.’’
The Eels have enough money in their salary cap — mainly from the cash saved by Kieran Foran’s unexpected early exit — and are in a rare position to pursue not one but two marquee players for next season.
It’s understood Bird’s camp wanted to wait until after Saturday night’s clash against the Eels before sitting down and discussing a potential move to the western suburbs.
Eels boss Bernie Gurr would not comment on recruitment. Nor would Bird’s camp.
One advantage for the Eels is the luxury to move French to five-eighth to accommodate Bird in the No. 1 jersey, while Gutherson, who had not played five-eighth until late last season, can play anywhere in the backline.
James Segeyaro has been named in Cronulla’s 21-man squad. Picture: Tim Hunter.Meanwhile, Flanagan was happy to name James Segeyaro in his 21-man squad, and will have a fairer idea if the former Penrith and Leeds rake is ready to be unleashed first-up against the Eels after Wednesday’s first training hitout with the top squad.
Segeyaro is still sweating on his deal to be rubber-stamped by the NRL, and should that eventuate, will be eligible to play given he was included in the Sharks’ extended squad.
Dale Copley joined Gold Coast last week, but was not allowed to be a late inclusion because he was not part of the extended squad.
“It’s unlikely he’ll play against Parramatta, but I won’t say ‘no’,’’ Flanagan said of Segeyaro.
“He’s done a lot of training but it hasn’t been with us, and he’s only done one day with our reserve grade last week. He’ll train on Wednesday with the group and we’ll see how we go from there.’’
Jayden Brailey has more than held his own in the opening three matches for Cronulla, but will only benefit being rotated with experienced livewire Segeyaro.
Replies
I wonder if this may have a negative impact on Gutherson and knowing he is not the preferred option now, just a fill in role.
Seems BA may use Gutho as a center, French will stay at fullback.
Gutho's said he's happy to play anywhere.
Gutho is not a centre. BA is a massive fan of Guth and brought him over from Manly. Surely he is our long term 5/8. BA keeps referring to a developing spine, a very young spine. Why not stick with it for as long as you can?
Something tells me he will be staying at the sharks
1 - the Cronulla coach is paranoid Bird is going to leave and is using the media to guilt trip and manipulate him to stay at Cronulla even if it's for less than he is worth.
2 - Parramatta may or may not be interested and there is no proof in this article either way.
If the sharks have close to the money being offered to bird surely he would stay. We may have zero interest in bird and it may be a ploy to up his deal at cronulla. Who knows.
Id much rather a top line hooker who isnt injured every 5 games.
If we have no interest really in Bird, like to see the club come straight out and publicly say this is mis-leading and not chasing Bird.
Don't like to see our club exploited to drive his $$$ up at Cronulla
He certainly fits the style of player BA likes at our club. I wouldn't worry about positional spots at this stage. Both Gutho and Bird are extremely versatile. These things always have a way of working out. I trust BA's judgement.
1: B French
2: K Feldt
3: M Jennings
4: C Gutherson
5: J Hoffman
6: J Bird
7: C Norman
8: T Mannah
9: K Pritchard
10: S Matagi
11: M Mau
12: T Moeroa
13: B Scott
14: B Takairangi
15: K Edwards
16: N Brown
17: S Vave
18: D Alvaro
19: P Terepo
20: K Auva
21: R Obrein
That would be a good side
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