PARRAMATTA have pulled their multimillion-dollar contract offer for Jack Bird, with Newcastle and Cronulla the remaining clubs vying for his signature.
The Eels were prepared to pay top dollar for the NSW State of Origin utility, but on Sunday they decided to end negotiations, confident in the early-season signs shown by halves Corey Norman and Clint Gutherson.
There was also limited opportunity for Bird to play fullback at the Eels, a position he desires to play, with attacking dynamo Bevan French making the No.1 jersey his own.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to money for Bird, with the Knights favourites to land his signature after offering a massive three-year deal worth $900,000 a season.
The Sharks’ offer, although less at around $820,000, would still ensure Bird is the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Like the Knights, the Sharks are open to answering Bird’s calls to move from the centres and closer to the football.
As reported previously, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is open to moving Bird to the halves should they fail to retain off-contract halfback Chad Townsend.
Bird will also be given the chance to move to the lock position upon captain Paul Gallen’s retirement next year.
However, Bird has proven he’s serious about linking with the Knights, taking a tour of the Newcastle region and club’s facilities during a lunch meeting last Sunday.
Having missed out on Matt Scott, Dale Finucane and Matt Prior in recent weeks, the Knights know Bird’s signature is pivotal to the club’s power to recruit further stars.
However, the Knights are also aware the 22-year-old shares a unique bond with the Cronulla team after winning last year’s premiership and will find it difficult to move to his third club in five years, after leaving St George Illawarra in 2014.
CRONK TIME!
Replies
Quote ''the eels were prepared to pay top dollar for the NSW SOO utility, but on sunday they decided to end negotiations, confident in the early season signs shown by halves Norman and Gutherson'' LOL
That makes no sense at all on many levels, what dope wrote that?
They are so fucking full of themselves looking repeatedly in to the mirror of their "own" reflections that they really believe no one else can see through all their editorial bullshit. LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Beds in their loony asylum are never far from them.
Good point.
I hope we get Cronk but what Des said on news make since to me Cronk will retire because e said he movieing to Sydney but he didn't say he was playing in Sydney
If that isn't a message to offer a min 2yr contract, I don't know what is.
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