Monday Buzz: Jack Bird to test open market as contract talks with Dragons break down
Three NRL rivals are ready to splash the cash on Jack Bird after he decided to test the open market as contract talks break down with the Dragons.
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Jack Bird’s career at the St George Illawarra Dragons is at the crossroads following a breakdown in contract-extension talks.
Unhappy at being asked to take a significant pay cut, Bird and his agent David Riolo have decided to immediately test the open market for 2023 and onwards.
News Corp can reveal Bird has spoken to old super coach Wayne Bennett in recent days about the possibility of him joining the NRL’s 17th franchise next year.
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It was Bennett who signed Bird at the Brisbane Broncos back in 2018 in an ill-fated and injury plagued move from the Cronulla Sharks.
Bird was on $1 million a year at the Broncos but the Dragons are offering only half that amount.
The Dragons also have an issue in negotiations with front-rower Blake Lawrie.
Talks have stalled and he will also test the open market.
But Bird is the big story.
“They made an offer before Christmas, we had a few meetings, but nothing’s happened,” Riolo said.
“We’re not at each other but the talks have stalled. We’re on different pages at the moment.
“There’s a fair bit of interest from other clubs. I wouldn’t be saying he’s looking to leave at this stage but he’s got to look at his options.
“We’re now in the process of seeing what’s out there.”
The talks with Bennett are interesting but it’s unlikely Bird will want to leave the south coast for another stint in Brisbane.
This is where Bird’s old club, the Cronulla Sharks, become a possible option.
Bird won the 2016 premiership at the Cronulla Sharks after bursting onto the scene as one of the game’s hottest young talents.
The Sharks have the experienced trio of Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham and Matt Moylan off contract at the end of the season. Together they soak up almost $2 million of the Sharks’ salary cap.
All three are not certain to be there next season which would free up dollars for Bird, who at 26, has another five years in the NRL.
Another option is the Parramatta Eels who have lost Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i and probably Ryan Matterson at the end of the season.
The Dragons last week locked down coach Anthony Griffin for another 12 months.
It kills the controversy and conversations around the coach and stabilises the footy club.
Yet it’s the exact opposite with arguably their best player.
Having him talking to rival clubs on the eve of the premiership kick-off is hardly ideal.
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Originally published as Monday Buzz: Jack Bird to test open market as contract talks with Dragons break down
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