Bulldogs skipper Josh Jackon poised to sign a contract that will make him a club legend
The Bulldogs are making moves to secure skipper Josh Jackson to a new deal that would put him alongside some of the club’s greatest ever players.
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This could be the deal that makes him Canterbury’s the most capped forward – and maybe second overall in the club’s 84-year history.
The Bulldogs have moved to formally step up negotiations to secure skipper Josh Jackson for what could be a life contract.
Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill has made contact with Jackson’s manager, Andrew Purcell, to accelerate contracts talks.
While a deadline for a contract extension hasn’t been set, Canterbury hopes to have a new deal secured early next year.
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No contract length has been discussed but it would more than likely span two to three seasons. Jackson, 28, is still under contract for next year.
That could mean Jackson has another four seasons remaining at Belmore.
Jackson could play another 80 to 90 games. He has already played 181 games for Canterbury and sits 21st on the club’s overall tally.
But another four years would move Jackson up into fourth place and allow him to become the club’s most capped forward, slipping past the great Steve Folkes (245).
He could even nudge past second-placed Steve Mortimer (272) and third-placed Terry Lamb (262). Jackson wouldn’t be able to catch club leader Hazem El Masri (317).
Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman has played 205 games for Canterbury and is 12th overall. The 31-year-old has just one year remaining on his deal.
Provided he remains injury-free next season, Tolman will break into the Bulldogs’ top 10 most capped playing list.
Canterbury wants Jackson to re-sign and Jackson wants to stay. It’s now a matter of sorting out an accepted contract value before a deal can be formally announced.
Jackson will start next season aged 29 – another four years taking him close to NRL retirement age.
He may sneak in one more season but his body has taken a battering given his fierce and ferocious playing style.
Jackson, from Gulgong, made his NRL debut for Canterbury back in 2012 and has represented NSW and Australia.
Rival clubs have discussed Jackson being a free agent but none have lodged any formal offers. Souths were linked to Jackson at one point but the club denied any interest.
Jackson is currently recovering from off-season groin and hip surgery.
Canterbury are also looking to re-sign forward Adam Elliott, who also comes off contract after next season.
The Bulldogs are also monitoring any contract developments with Brisbane forward David Fifita, who comes off contract after next season. Privately though the club believe Fifita will re-sign with the Broncos.