Deadline near for superstar
By Steve Mascord
March 07, 2007
RIVAL clubs have been given 48 hours to make their best offer for Sonny Bill Williams, with his agent declaring last night "we'll find out who's serious and who's not".
Manager Gavin Orr also disputed claims that a three-year Bulldogs offer to the 21 year old - on which a Friday deadline of 5pm has been placed - was worth $1.5 million.
Orr and brother Chris have told those close to negotiations that six clubs have shown serious interest in Williams, and that the Dogs contract was closer to $1.25 million.
"If clubs are serious about signing Sonny, they'll be there and talking to us by the end of the week," a guarded Gavin Orr said.
Asked about the purported offer of $500,000 per year from the Bulldogs, Orr said: "That's incorrect. It's well under that value."
But Orr confirmed that Williams would make a decision on his future by Friday.
Twelve teams contacted last night said they would not be making Williams an offer before Friday.
Sharks coach Ricky Stuart offered no comment, sayng: "I don't think it is anyone's business outside the club".
Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan was also non-committal, saying: "(Coach) Chris Anderson wants to appraise the talent within the club. (To do that) this week would be difficult."
Shane Richardson (South Sydney), Michael Searle (Gold Coast), Peter Parr (North Queensland), Brian Waldron (Melbourne), Ken Conway (Newcastle), Peter Doust (St George-Illawarra), Mick Leary (Penrith), Warren McConnell (Wests Tigers), Grant Meyer (Manly) and Bruno Cullen (Brisbane) each said their club would not bid for Williams.
Wayne Scurrah (New Zealand Warriors), Denis Fitzgerald (Parramatta) and Simon Hawkins (Canberra) were unavailable for comment.
Bulldogs prop Mark O'Meley meanwhile seems determined to shame the Bulldogs into making him a better offer after twice turning down contracts valued at around $300,000 per year.
"At this stage, I'll play some good footy and hopefully the club will look after me," O'Meley said on Channel Seven.
Bulldogs officials have warned that O'Meley's money could be spent elsewhere, however.
And South Sydney back rower David Fa'alogo has declined to re-sign for the time being.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21338205-23214,00.html
This is interesting that Ricky has nothing to say. He seems to have a bit to say about the other players we are linked with...