NRL Market Watch: Tigers ramp-up bid to lure Jack Bird to Concord, inviting the St George Illawarra star to tour the club’s centre of excellence

The Tigers have stepped up its pursuit of Jack Bird, inviting the St George Illawarra star to tour the club’s centre of excellence on Tuesday on the same day the club’s recruitment drive landed a Cronulla forward Royce Hunt.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Jack Bird of the Dragons looks on during the round 25 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks at WIN Stadium, on August 25, 2024, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Wests Tigers have ramped up their pursuit of St George Illawarra’s Jack Bird after negotiations hit a roadblock over contract terms.

It comes after the club confirmed the signing of Royce Hunt on Tuesday, after this masthead revealed last week the Cronulla prop was set to join the Tigers.

The Sharks front rower was granted a release from the final year of his deal to join the Tigers on a three-year deal from 2025.

Bird was invited to tour the Tigers’ centre of excellence at Concord on Tuesday in a bid to lure the 29-year-old to the club.

The Dragons utility has already met with CEO Shane Richardson and the club is keen to secure Bird services as soon as 2025.

Jack Bird was given permission to negotiate with rival clubs. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Bird’s management confirmed a two-year deal has been discussed but the former NSW Blues representative is looking to secure a longer deal.

Bird agreed to take up a mutual option to stay at the Dragons for next season but was granted permission to talk to rival clubs in July.

St George Illawarra are open to granting a release from the final year of his deal if he can secure a contract at another club.

It’s understood the Dragons are not in a position to offer the premiership winner a deal beyond 2025, despite coach Shane Flanagan indicating he would like to retain Bird.

Bird has attracted plenty of attention since being given permission to talk to rivals and has met with other Sydney clubs in recent weeks.

Royce Hunt has signed with the Wests Tigers. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Tigers are looking to add much needed experience to thei top-30 roster next year, particularly in the outside backs and in the forwards after losing prop Stefano Utoikamanu to Melbourne after a tug of war over his services.

Marshall said the addition of Hunt will help add mongrel to the Tigers pack.

“Royce is a great leader who will be invaluable in assisting us with the development of the younger players at the club,” said Marshall on Tuesday.

“He’s a tough and uncompromising middle, and more importantly, he’s a good human.”

Last month, the Tigers also announced the signature of promising winger Jeral Skelton, who will join the Concord club from Canterbury on a two-year deal from next season.

Originally published as NRL Market Watch: Tigers ramp-up bid to lure Jack Bird to Concord, inviting the St George Illawarra star to tour the club’s centre of excellence