Thaiday could join new club

SAM Thaiday says he has not decided whether to join another NRL club after being told 2018 will be his last year as a Broncos player.

It was revealed yesterday coach Wayne Bennett had told Thaiday, 32, he would not be offered a contract extension for 2019.

A cryptic Thaiday, a 2006 premiership winner, said he needed to decide if he wanted to play beyond next year, but noted there were “15 other clubs’’ in the NRL.

Thaiday joins Petero Civoniceva and Trevor Gillmeister as senior Broncos premiership winners told there was no offer from the club they had served. Both joined Penrith as a means to keep playing.

“Whether the body can deal with a bit more banging around, I’ll assess come this time next year,” Thaiday said.

“There are 15 other clubs out there and who knows what can happen.

“There’s talk I’m not going to be offered a contract. I haven’t asked for one.

“It’s no surprise to me, but I’m sure it’s a surprise to a lot of fans.

“I’ve had a fantastic run and it means I have this year and next year and hopefully we can have some success at the Broncos.

“I have to sit back and assess how the body is feeling. It’s a discussion I’ll make with my family. I have two young girls I have to look after and provide for the rest of my life.’’

Asked if he could see himself playing against the Broncos after 269 first grade matches with Brisbane, Thaiday replied: “Who knows? Funny things happen in rugby league.

“None of us want to stop playing the game we love.

“It’s a very tough decision that has to be made.

“My full attention is on this year and making the most of the fantastic position we are in (equal third place).”