Dragons hope to sign Jack Bird to $1.1million extension, but star backrower is wanted by Parramatta

Dragons hope to sign Jack Bird to $1.1million extension, but star backrower is wanted by Parramatta… and met Eels coach Brad Arthur last month

  • Jack Bird’s contract with St George Illawarra expires at the end of the season
  • Dragons want to keep 26-year-old and have offered a $1.1million deal
  • Bird is understood to be looking for a $2million deal over three years
  •  Former Broncos player met Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur last month

St. George Illawarra are determined to keep hold of Jack Bird and have reportedly tabled a $1.1million offer to fend off interest from the Parramatta Eels.

The star backrower is out of contract at the end of the season and the Dragons are keen to extend his stay at WIN Stadium by a further two seasons. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 26-year-old remains eager to test the open market at the end of his deal, with his agent reportedly looking for an offer in the region of $2million over three years.

The Dragons are said to be reluctant to meet the demands but want Bird to be wearing the Red V next season and are understood to be confident of retaining his services.

Bird, who played five times for New South Wales, signed for St. George at the beginning of last season, scoring four tries in 22 games. 

He made a fine start to the 2022 NRL campaign, scoring a try as the Dragons beat the New Zealand Warriors 28-16 on Saturday.

The 26-year-old scored as the Dragons beat the Warriors in Round 1 of the NRL season

The 26-year-old scored as the Dragons beat the Warriors in Round 1 of the NRL season

Bird signed for the Dragons last year after playing for Cronulla and Brisbane

Bird signed for the Dragons last year after playing for Cronulla and Brisbane 

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur met with Bird last month ahead of a potential signing

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur met with Bird last month ahead of a potential signing 

The former Cronulla and Brisbane player has already attracted interest from the Eels and met coach Brad Arthur last month.

Parramatta are set to lose Isaiah Papali’i to Wests Tigers in the offseason and Arthur is scouting the market for potential replacements.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have also shown interest in the backrower ahead of their NRL debut next season. 

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