Rivals circling as Bird yet to sign
JACK Bird is understood to be having second thoughts on committing his future to the Dragons with rival clubs aware of his unrest.
Bird’s management and the Dragons agreed to a new three-year deal two weeks ago after months of protracted negotiations.
But despite the contract being agreed to, Bird has yet to officially sign the deal.
It has led to rival clubs becoming aware of the situation, with suggestions Bird may have cold feet about staying at the club.
Wests Tigers would become the frontrunners to land Bird’s signature, having had informal discussions with the former NSW star before he recommitted to the Dragons.
St George Illawarra officials are privately unconcerned about the development and remain confident the signature and official announcement will happen in due course.
They have been given no indication Bird is uneasy about remaining at the club and pointed to clashing schedules as to why no formal contract has been signed.
The deal was only secured when the Dragons upped their offer to keep Bird at the club.
Bird was seeking a guaranteed three years, but the two parties compromised, with the Dragons offering two years with an option for a third.
It is understood the Dragons guaranteed two years for Bird worth about $1.1m, with a mutual option for Bird and the club to commit for a third season. Bird has re-established himself at the Dragons after an injury ravaged stint at the Broncos.