State of Origin 2016: Josh Jackson’s future could be decided
JOSH Jackson’s management will meet with officials from Canterbury just hours before Origin I kick-off, hoping to secure the NSW backrower’s future.
Bulldogs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bulldogs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JOSH Jackson’s management will meet with officials from Canterbury just hours before Origin I kick-off, hoping to secure the NSW back-rower’s future.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Jackson’s manager Andrew Purcell has set the time frame of Wednesday to finalise a four-year contract.
The deal, worth around $2 million, will keep the Gulgong-born back rower at Belmore until the end of the 2020 season.
But if talks stall, he admitted the Origin opener could become an audition for potential suitors for the 25-year-old.
Jackson has attracted interest from a number of rival clubs including Canberra, Penrith, Parramatta and Manly.
Speaking on Tuesday, Purcell remained hopeful it wouldn’t come to that and the Bulldogs would agree to the final terms of the deal.
“Hopefully we can get an answer on Wednesday, otherwise we might have to start answering a few knocks on the door,” Purcell said.
“I’ve had people knocking on the door, but I haven’t answered it.
“They (the Bulldogs) just have to work out their salary cap and that’s all we are waiting on.
FORMER FOE: Meninga spotted at Blues training
MUDDLED: Walters picked a bunch of duds
“We want to make sure we are completely satisfied with the contract.
“I’ve been hopeful of an announcement for the past three or four months, but hopefully we can get it done.
“We are just looking to finalise it, so we can announce it.”
Jackson, who will play his fourth Origin on Wednesday, has been in negotiations with Canterbury for four months.
The Bulldogs have already secured the futures of Moses Mbye and David Klemmer on long-term deals and it’s understood Jackson is next in line.
Kiwi Test star Greg Eastwood is also closing in on a three-year extension to keep him at the club until the end of the 2019 season.
Collins’ Rooster return paves way for Origin recall
Lindsay Collins’ return to the field couldn’t come at a better time, with the Roosters’ clash against the Bulldogs serving as a test to see if the enforcer is ready to make his way back into the Origin arena.
Blues captaincy candidates revealed
Laurie Daley has revealed his timeline for when he will pick the next Blues captain, with Stephen Crichton and some of his former teammates in the mix.