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They're waging war with Parramatta to keep Josh Papalii, and the Canberra Raiders could soon have another battle on their hands with Canterbury poised to pounce on halfback Sam Williams.
Williams, 21, is off contract at the end of this season, and Fairfax Media understands the Bulldogs are watching with interest as his negotiations with Canberra progress slowly.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner admitted on Tuesday the Williams situation is unlikely to be resolved until a few weeks into the season.
Williams' manager, Paul Sutton, met with Raiders management last Tuesday to hold initial talks.
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Sutton warned Canberra that Williams is in high demand should it fail to lock him up soon, with a host of clubs desperate to snare a long-term halfback.
The Cooma product will start the year in the halves alongside Josh McCrone, with Canberra's marquee playmaker Terry Campese not expected back for at least a month.
Strong early form will only increase his bargaining power with rival clubs, especially given the dearth of available quality young halves.
Former premiership halfback Matt Orford joined the Bulldogs as a skills coach this season, and endured an injury-plagued season at Canberra in 2011. He was an unabashed fan of Williams' potential at Canberra, at one point comparing his temperament to that of ''a young Cameron Smith''.
Williams has also been linked to Penrith and St George Illawarra, two sides severely lacking in quality halves depth.
But the Bulldogs are ready to strike should the Raiders hesitate to sign him. Fairfax Media understands Trent Hodkinson is the Canterbury player most under threat should it snare Williams.
Canberra's talks with Williams have been complicated by a series of variables, particularly how well Campese returns from a knee injury and the progress of highly-rated under-20s halves Anthony Milford and Mitch Cornish.
''We've just held preliminary talks with his manager,'' Furner said. ''It [strong interest] is not something we wouldn't anticipate, it's not like that would be a surprise.''
It's not the first time the Bulldogs have aggressively pursued a high-profile Raiders star.
Canterbury coach Des Hasler was believed to be interested in fullback Josh Dugan after he moved from Manly to Belmore last year. Dugan eventually signed a two-year, $1.3 million extension with the Raiders, making him the club's highest-paid player.
It also remains unclear whether Papalii will decide to stay in Canberra or jump to the Eels before the end of the week.
''I honestly don't know [if he'll stay],'' Furner said. ''Parramatta could pick up the phone tomorrow and move the goal posts again.''
Williams insisted his uncertain future won't prove a distraction.
''You don't think about that stuff too much and we're pretty professional these days, I'd like to think,'' Williams said
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...berra-raids-20130305-2fjf3.html#ixzz2MiD9fOCA
What do think Dragons fans? I know we were previously linked to him. IMO he should be our primary target for next season. Has a bright future and would be worth opening the check book pursuing. Best option in terms of longevity and talent
Williams, 21, is off contract at the end of this season, and Fairfax Media understands the Bulldogs are watching with interest as his negotiations with Canberra progress slowly.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner admitted on Tuesday the Williams situation is unlikely to be resolved until a few weeks into the season.
Williams' manager, Paul Sutton, met with Raiders management last Tuesday to hold initial talks.
Advertisement
Sutton warned Canberra that Williams is in high demand should it fail to lock him up soon, with a host of clubs desperate to snare a long-term halfback.
The Cooma product will start the year in the halves alongside Josh McCrone, with Canberra's marquee playmaker Terry Campese not expected back for at least a month.
Strong early form will only increase his bargaining power with rival clubs, especially given the dearth of available quality young halves.
Former premiership halfback Matt Orford joined the Bulldogs as a skills coach this season, and endured an injury-plagued season at Canberra in 2011. He was an unabashed fan of Williams' potential at Canberra, at one point comparing his temperament to that of ''a young Cameron Smith''.
Williams has also been linked to Penrith and St George Illawarra, two sides severely lacking in quality halves depth.
But the Bulldogs are ready to strike should the Raiders hesitate to sign him. Fairfax Media understands Trent Hodkinson is the Canterbury player most under threat should it snare Williams.
Canberra's talks with Williams have been complicated by a series of variables, particularly how well Campese returns from a knee injury and the progress of highly-rated under-20s halves Anthony Milford and Mitch Cornish.
''We've just held preliminary talks with his manager,'' Furner said. ''It [strong interest] is not something we wouldn't anticipate, it's not like that would be a surprise.''
It's not the first time the Bulldogs have aggressively pursued a high-profile Raiders star.
Canterbury coach Des Hasler was believed to be interested in fullback Josh Dugan after he moved from Manly to Belmore last year. Dugan eventually signed a two-year, $1.3 million extension with the Raiders, making him the club's highest-paid player.
It also remains unclear whether Papalii will decide to stay in Canberra or jump to the Eels before the end of the week.
''I honestly don't know [if he'll stay],'' Furner said. ''Parramatta could pick up the phone tomorrow and move the goal posts again.''
Williams insisted his uncertain future won't prove a distraction.
''You don't think about that stuff too much and we're pretty professional these days, I'd like to think,'' Williams said
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...berra-raids-20130305-2fjf3.html#ixzz2MiD9fOCA
What do think Dragons fans? I know we were previously linked to him. IMO he should be our primary target for next season. Has a bright future and would be worth opening the check book pursuing. Best option in terms of longevity and talent
