Jack Bird has denied reports he’s been tabled a two-year contract extension by St George Illawarra.
But the injury-plagued utility is keen to re-sign with the Dragons, and is waiting for the club to produce the paperwork to make a deal happen.
The 2016 NRL premiership winner had his best season in years in 2021, playing 22 games in his first campaign for the Red V. In the three years prior to that, he had played collectively 17 games, his short career with the Broncos cruelled by injuries.
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Late last season the Dragons tabled a contract extension, but it was not taken up, and the club subsequently pulled it.
“Rumours coming out saying that I rejected it because of money, that is far from the truth,” Bird told media today.
“The Dragons offered me a deal, they gave me five days to decide and I wasn’t ready to make a decision then, (so) they pulled it off the table.
“I didn’t really have a decision to make then, I had to wait until they were ready to offer me another deal.
“To be honest I don’t even know if they’ve offered me another deal (now). There’s rumours saying they’ve offered me a contract, but I haven’t had anything in front of me.
“I’ve made it clear I want to stay here, I want to play for the Dragons. Hopefully there is an offer there for me.”
The original contract extension was for two years. The latest offer, reported earlier this week, was also two years, said to be worth $1.1 million.
While money isn’t the issue, Bird says he would like a longer deal.
“Obviously I want some security behind my football,” he said.
“I’ve had some injuries that have nearly ruined my career, so I just want a little bit of security behind me, and I want to be a part of this club’s future.
“I’m turning 27 this week, if I get a three-year deal it will take me to 30. Then I can sit down with my family.
“But I still feel my best footy is in front of me. I know I want to do that here at the Dragons.”
The Dragons beat the Warriors 28-16 in Round 1, and take on the Panthers on Friday night.
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