Panthers hunt Fitzgibbon
By Josh Massoud | May 01, 2008 12:00am
PENRITH have offered Craig Fitzgibbon a chance to extend his career as the Roosters skipper continues to ponder retirement.
Despite recapturing his sparkling form of yesteryear in 2008, the veteran forward is far from assured of playing at Bondi next season.
With the Roosters believed to be steering Fitzgibbon toward a post-football career path, their 2003 grand final conquerors have emerged as a contender for his signature.
Penrith yesterday lost valuable lock forward Nathan Smith to Canberra, and view the 30-year-old as a more than capable replacement.
Panthers coach Matt Elliott said management had discussed Fitzgibbon as a recruit for 2009, with the club's forward stocks to be further depleted by the departure of senior prop Tony Puletua to St Helens.
"Craig is a player that has appeal to us - for sure," Elliott said. "He's playing outstanding footy at the moment and his leadership would be a big thing for us."
Elliott, however, appreciates Fitzgibbon's ties to the Roosters and knows the Country Origin rep's first preference is see out his career there.
Penrith officials have made contact with Fitzgibbon's agent, David Riolo, who last night reported interest from seven clubs.
"But at this stage Craig doesn't even know if he will be playing next year," Riolo said. "It's something we'll come to when he makes that decision. It's understandable that Penrith would be interested - Fitzy is a statesman-like player."
The Daily Telegraph, however, understands that Fitzgibbon is keen to soldier on.
Over the first seven weeks of the season he has arguably been the form member of a Roosters pack that includes blue-chip stars Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason, Nate Myles and Anthony Tupou.
Smith has provided equally good value for the Panthers since his arrival at the foot of the mountains last year. He has not missed a game and won the club's 2007 best and fairest award.
But although Elliott launched a personal bid to keep him, the ACT junior could not resist a three-year deal worth more than $200,000 a season to rejoin Canberra. It is understood the Panthers only offered about $150,000 a season.
Smith's arrival at the Raiders is expected to cover for the loss of Maroons enforcer Neville Costigan, who is set to link with Gold Coast.
Canberra have also agreed to release back-up half Michael Dobson to either Wigan or Hull KR. The 21-year-old will be free to leave after this weekend's game against the Warriors.
In other contract news, Dragons winger Jason Nightingale yesterday celebrated his selection in the New Zealand squad for next Friday's Centenary Test by re-signing with St George Illawarra for a further three years.
Titans centre Josh Graham has also agreed to a further two-year deal.
