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THE chances of Brisbane luring Israel Folau north are likely to be determined as early as Tuesday. Melbourne Storm has told the teenager it needs an answer on a contract extension early next week.
Folau is believed to be leaning towards a return to southeast Queensland where his family lives, but the Gold Coast Titans have, in effect, ruled themselves out of the race. The Titans are devoting their energies to signing Canberra duo William Zillman and Neville Costigan, with dashing fullback Zillman believed to be close to agreeing to terms.
The Broncos have made no secret of their interest in Folau, with the club indicating it will step up efforts to sign him if the club's young outside backs do not produce in the early rounds of the premiership. Folau flew to Brisbane on Wednesday night to see his family and discuss his future but did not meet Broncos officials.
Melbourne is keen to resolve the Folau situation soon after Monday night's clash with the New Zealand Warriors. It also has Queensland lock Dallas Johnson off contract.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen yesterday said reports that Folau was close to signing a four-year $1.6 million deal with the club were "not even close to the mark". Cullen made no secret of the club's interest in the Logan Brothers product but said reports this week of his impending signing had come out of the blue.
Cullen said the club was always looking for top-line players, and with skipper Darren Lockyer off contract at the end of next year there could be money available for a marquee signing, but it wouldn't be for a centre like Folau. "Karmichael Hunt is ready to take up Locky's mantle at the club and Justin Hodges is here for another four years," Cullen said. "When Locky goes there's an opportunity, salary-cap wise, that if we haven't got someone in house then we can go outside and get someone."
Canberra, which re-signed halfback Todd Carney yesterday, has conceded it is under pressure to hold on to Zillman and Costigan, with both keen to return to Queensland.
THE chances of Brisbane luring Israel Folau north are likely to be determined as early as Tuesday. Melbourne Storm has told the teenager it needs an answer on a contract extension early next week.
Folau is believed to be leaning towards a return to southeast Queensland where his family lives, but the Gold Coast Titans have, in effect, ruled themselves out of the race. The Titans are devoting their energies to signing Canberra duo William Zillman and Neville Costigan, with dashing fullback Zillman believed to be close to agreeing to terms.
The Broncos have made no secret of their interest in Folau, with the club indicating it will step up efforts to sign him if the club's young outside backs do not produce in the early rounds of the premiership. Folau flew to Brisbane on Wednesday night to see his family and discuss his future but did not meet Broncos officials.
Melbourne is keen to resolve the Folau situation soon after Monday night's clash with the New Zealand Warriors. It also has Queensland lock Dallas Johnson off contract.
Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen yesterday said reports that Folau was close to signing a four-year $1.6 million deal with the club were "not even close to the mark". Cullen made no secret of the club's interest in the Logan Brothers product but said reports this week of his impending signing had come out of the blue.
Cullen said the club was always looking for top-line players, and with skipper Darren Lockyer off contract at the end of next year there could be money available for a marquee signing, but it wouldn't be for a centre like Folau. "Karmichael Hunt is ready to take up Locky's mantle at the club and Justin Hodges is here for another four years," Cullen said. "When Locky goes there's an opportunity, salary-cap wise, that if we haven't got someone in house then we can go outside and get someone."
Canberra, which re-signed halfback Todd Carney yesterday, has conceded it is under pressure to hold on to Zillman and Costigan, with both keen to return to Queensland.
