OFF-CONTRACT Cronulla star Jack Bird is in demand and has been offered a huge deal by a rival club.

Meanwhile, there’s a standoff happening at St George Illawarra.

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BIRD’S HUGE OFFER

Channel Seven reports the Newcastle Knights have tabled off-contract Cronulla star Jack Bird a massive three-year offer worth $2.7 million.

Bird travelled up the F3 before the season kicked off to check out the Knights’ facilities.

Sharks star Jack Bird puts in a fend. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Seven says the Knights want Bird to play five-eighth, whereas the Sharks believe he’s a long-term lock and have offered him a contract worth $200,000 less per season.

Parramatta are also reportedly keen on the NSW star, while Bird’s former club St George Illawarra have already ruled out a play to bring him back to Wollongong.

DUGAN SERIOUS ABOUT A SWITCH

St George Illawarra star Josh Dugan has revealed he’s made contact with cashed up rugby union clubs as talks hit a roadblock with the Dragons.

The Red V see Dugan has a centre and are willing to pay him around $700,000 per season from next year. But NSW and Australia representative wants to stay in the No.1 jersey.

Josh Dugan of the Dragons. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

“I won’t rule it out, (rugby) is obviously an option and I’ve spoken to certain clubs overseas but but my first goal is to stay in the NRL,” Dugan told media on Thursday.

“I grew up playing rugby before I played rugby league. I could have played (junior) Brumbies when I was younger but chose to play Harold Matts with the Raiders.

“I’ve got a little bit of background and it wouldn’t be that hard a switch for me.”

TIGERS KEEN ON McQUEEN

The Wests Tigers have decided to splash some cash for an experienced forward and the man they’ve got in their sights is Gold Coast backrower Chris McQueen.

“At the moment, the Tigers have tabled a three-year deal to get Chris McQueen to Concord as of next season,” Fox Sports chief NRL reporter James Hooper told NRL Tonight.

“I believe it’s a $1.4 million offer.

“For the Gold Coast Titans to retain Chris, they’re really going to have to sharpen their pencil and come up with a more competitive deal.”

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by Eels coach Brad Arthur to discuss the club’s future recruitment plan and how they recovered after the year from hell.

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CARTWRIGHT NO CHANCE FOR CHOOKS

Penrith star Bryce Cartwright is next to no chance to taking the field against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.

The backrower suffered bone bruising in round two against the Tigers and will need further scans with fears the injury may be worse than first thought.



“He does have a plate in that ankle (from a previous injury) so it is causing him some problems,” Fox Sports chief NRL reporter James Hooper told NRL Tonight.

MANLY PEACE TALKS

The infighting at the Sea Eagles is over, with CEO Tim Cleary and head of football Bob Fulton agreeing to put their differences aside.

Cleary had been involved in a bitter feud with Fulton who was put off-side after his daughter Kristie was shifted from the football department.

Cleary and Fulton had a lengthy meeting with the owners of the Sea Eagles, Rick and Scott Penn, on Thursday to discuss several issues.

“It was important that everyone had the opportunity to discuss their views, resolve any differences of opinion and create a new pathway for the future. I am delighted that both Bob and Tim have cleared the air and have committed to actively working together to take the Sea Eagles to the next level,’’ Scott Penn said.

HOLMES RARING TO GO

Cronulla youngster Valentine Holmes says his hamstring has fully mended and he’s ready to play his first game of the season on Sunday.

Holmes suffered the injury during a trial match but is ready to go against the Dragons.

“I’m 100 per cent this week,” Holmes told NRL Tonight.

“I probably could’ve played last week, I just wanted to get my head right.

“One more week is good for myself ... I’m excited to get back and I can’t wait to play with the boys.”

THE KEY MAN TO RETAINING TIGERS

Wests Tigers stars Aaron Woods, James Tedesco, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses want to know the make up of the club’s coaching staff beyond 2017 before they put pen to paper.

Coach Jason Taylor is off contract, but there’s one other figure they’d like to have around Concord heading into the future.

“All of those big four players who are off contract, they want some clarity about the leadership at the club,” Fox Sports chief NRL reporter James Hooper told NRL Tonight.

“One man they really want to get in there is a little bit of a football whisperer, his name is Joe Wehbe, he’s worked with the Sydney Roosters, he’s worked with the New Zealand Rugby League and was at the Brisbane Broncos last year.

“He was with the Wests Tigers up until about a week ago, there’s been an issue there, these been a bit of an argument and a blow up.

“Wehbe’s not currently there but if they can get him back then I do believe we will see, most likely all four of those big Wests Tigers signings stay with the club.”

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