http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/parra-set-sights-on-thurston/2009/07/23/1247942008691.html
AFTER luring former Test star Timana Tahu back from the Waratahs, Parramatta officials have set their sights on signing Australian halfback Johnathan Thurston - but could face opposition from Japanese rugby union and other NRL clubs.
And the Eels could also have a fight on their hands to retain the services of boom playmaker Daniel Mortimer, with the Bulldogs keen to snare the 20-year-old whose surname is synonymous with the club's domination in the 1980s.
Thurston, 26, who is off contract with the Cowboys at the end of next season, intends to decide his future during the summer.
His manager, Sam Ayoub, confirmed yesterday that a number of clubs, including the Eels, had expressed interest in the star playmaker.
Ayoub said the approaches were unsolicited, and he and Thurston had told the clubs, including North Queensland, that they would not consider any offers until after his commitments this season were over.
With up to $2 million worth of players coming off contract next year, the Eels are ideally placed to make a play for one of the NRL's biggest names.
New chief executive Paul Osborne has already advised Ayoub the club intends to table an offer at the appropriate time.
"Obviously, Paul Osborne is keen to get on the front foot, and that is understandable, but we don't want to do anything that could distract Johnathan or the Cowboys in the lead-up to the finals," Ayoub told the
Herald.
"We want to do it like I did with Robbie Farah, and do it during the off-season, and both Johnathan and myself have told the Cowboys that. Once the season is over, there are a number of clubs who have indicated they will be interested, and we will talk to them then."
Thurston has also attracted interest from the Bulldogs and the Warriors, while there was speculation last night that a Japanese rugby club was prepared to offer him up to $1 million a season.
In a twist, the Bulldogs are also keen to snare Parramatta's Mortimer, whose father, Peter, and uncles Steve and Chris created a dynasty at the club in the 1980s.
After making his NRL debut this season, Mortimer signed a one-year extension with the Eels but admitted he would be tempted by an opportunity to play for the Bulldogs.
"It would be great to see a Mortimer back running around with the Dogs," he told AAP. "Just growing up, I always idolised players from the Bulldogs, and I used to just dream of pulling on that blue and white jersey.
"It'd be great to be back there, but I'll take it as it comes.
"Growing up, I never thought I'd be playing against the Doggies - I thought if I did end up making a career, it would be with the Doggies. It's a weird place to be in but I've been at Parramatta for two years now, and I've grown to love the club."
Osborne said the Eels were keen to hold on to their new halfback. Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg said Mortimer was definitely a player of interest for his club.
Meanwhile, the Eels are waiting for the Australian Rugby Union to formally release Tahu before confirming his signing.
Tahu is yet to meet with the director of the ARU's high-performance unit, David Nucifora, to seek a release from the remaining two years remaining of his contract.
It is understood there will be no opposition to the 28-year-year-old dual international taking up a three-year deal with the Eels.
Meanwhile, South Sydney and NSW utility Craig Wing denied he was joining second division Japanese Rugby franchise NTT Communications on a two-year, $1.5 million deal because he was in financial strife.
"I'd really like to clarify that, and that's totally false," Wing told Sky Sports Radio. "Yes, I have made a couple of investments over the last couple of years that are taking a while to come to fruition due to the current economic situation.
"I'm in a great position. I've been playing rugby league for 11 years, been earning really good money, and financially I'm in a position that's a lot better than pretty much anyone I know that's my age. This is just more about a new challenge, new goals, getting away and a new lifestyle."
