Bulldogs to put offer to Idris next week
By Nathan Ryan
24 March 2011 02:06PM EST
CANTERBURY boss Todd Greenberg will put forward his formal offer to the NRL's hottest commodity Jamal Idris early next week.
The Bulldogs have been busy exploring as many commercial options as possible to ensure they are well positioned to retain the centre without entering a bidding war.
“His earning capacity off the field and interest in television and movies make him powerful off the field,” Greenberg told Sportsnewsfirst.com.au on Thursday.
“I’ve always said we will compete commercially and will make an offer that is good enough and strong enough to keep him.”
With all parties who are interested in Idris offering some form of indigenous ambassador’s role, Greenberg is hoping that being in the market place of Sydney will work in their advantage as they offer to assist the star in furthering his brand.
“Extending the Jamal Idris brand in consultation with Jamal, his manager and family,” Greenberg said.
As revealed first by Sportsnewsfirst.com.au last Tuesday, the Gold Coast Titans have entered the race for the dreadlocked giant’s signature joining Newcastle who has tabled a three-year $350,000 contract.
Last week, Idris made the trip to Newcastle to meet with Coach Rick Stone and recruitment officer Keith Onslow, who was responsible for the Bulldogs signing him.
He inspected the Knights facilities including the new grandstand at Ausgrid Stadium.
This week the 20-year-old made a trip to the Gold Coast on Tuesday afternoon touring their Centre of Excellence and dining with Gold Coast Titans CEO Michael Searle and Coach John Cartwright.
He later shared breakfast again with Searle before joining the Titans squad for lunch until returning home last night.
During his stay the Titans are believed to have offered the Origin star a three year $400,000 a season contract.
One of just five league players sponsored by ASICS, the 2009 Dally M Rookie of the year impressed Searle not just on the field with his demolition of Greg Inglis but off the field.
“I was probably more impressed with his performance after the game," Searle said on Wednesday.
"The fact that he was so respectful to GI (Inglis) said a lot about his character.
"I was impressed the way he handled what could have been, for a young boy, an easy opportunity to spruik, and he didn't.
"On that basis alone we are interested.
"That to me is the sort of player who is appealing to our club.
"You've got an obligation to your fans and sponsors to at least participate in that sort of negotiation."
Despite the attention Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg remains upbeat that the club will be able to retain the player they brought through a pup and turned into a dog.
“Jamal’s made it very clear to me he wants to stay,” he said.
“I think he knows he’ll play his best football here.”
http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/03/24/bulldogs-to-put-offer-to-idris-next-week/