An announcement on Jack Bird's future is imminent but Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett believes Cronulla have the inside running on the NSW State of Origin star's signature.
Bennett expected to know in the next day or two whether the Sharks star would agree to a reported three year, $2.1 million offer from 2018.
Reports on Thursday claimed Bird had told his management he would reject Cronulla and a rival multi-million dollar Newcastle bid to move to the Broncos next year.
Brisbane's offer is reportedly worth $350,000 more over three seasons than what the Sharks tabled.
Bennett typically didn't give much away on Thursday after Broncos training, hinting that Cronulla were favourites for the in-demand Bird.
"I am not confident. I am not unconfident (about signing Bird)," he said.
"It hasn't happened yet.
"But you (incumbent clubs) always do (have inside running) unless you are extremely disgruntled there and I don't think that is the case."
Brisbane hope the chance to play in the halves alongside playmaker Anthony Milford can help lure Bird to Queensland.
Bird is believed to want to play in the halves or at fullback after becoming frustrated with being limited to centre at Cronulla.
"We like him as a player - full stop," Bennett said of Bird.
"He fits all the criteria of coming here.
"We've just got to wait to see what decision he makes."
Share
