Jothathan Thurston is Parramatta's top priority
By James Phelps From: The Daily Telegraph July 23, 2009 8:03PM
THE Eels are poised to launch an audacious bid to lasso Johnathan Thurston away from the Cowboys.
The Eels have targeted the man regarded as the game's best player when he comes off contract at the end of next year.
Channel 9's Footy Show last night reported Thurston has also been the subject of a $1 million offer to switch to Japanese rugby union.
New Parramatta CEO Paul Osborne met several player managers this week and Thurston was the hot topic of conversation.
Osbourne has told those that matter he won't be beaten on price, with the Eels expected to have a war chest at their disposal in 2011 with several high-paid players off contract.
We understand the Eels would have to fork out more than $700,000 to entice Thurston to return to Sydney.
Osborne and Daniel Anderson feel the Eels could build a team around the freakishly talented Australian No.7.
They will lose promising playmaker Albert Kelly to the Sharks next year and will no doubt say goodbye to a couple of underperforming stars to make room for Thurston.
The Bulldogs also have their eye on Thurston as a replacement for Brett Kimmorley but have been deterred by his asking price.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...tas-top-priority/story-e6frexni-1225754140420
lol eels alrite.
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