Reigning NRL rookie of the year Jack Bird has said that he is "more likely" to stay at his current club Cronulla but admitted that the potential of a huge financial windfall will form a big part of his decision.
Off contract at the end of the 2016 season, Bird has been linked with a possible return to St George Illawarra where he played much of his junior football but told Denan Kemp's The Locker Room podcast that he is happy at his current club.
"There is a bit of speculation there. Obviously a lot of people are wondering what I'm doing in the near future but I'm working with my manager to sort that thing out," Bird told The Locker Room.
"There are a lot of things going on; I couldn't tell you where I'm going to be.
"I'm happy to stay at Cronulla, we've just got to sort out a deal there. I'm more likely to stay there but we're still working it out so we'll just have to wait and see I guess."
Cronulla's signing of James Maloney and Chad Townsend over the off-season will likely necessitate a shift for Bird from five-eighth where he made an instant impression in the top grade.
After making his NRL debut in Round 4 Bird was selected at halfback for Country in the annual clash with City and finished the season with 23 games and the honour as the Dally M Rookie of the Year.
A Junior Kangaroos representative in the centres, Bird's versatility makes him a prized signature and he said that the quality of the football team will play a big bearing on his decision.
"Obviously you've got to go for what's the best deal for you," Bird said.
"Obviously you've got to have a good coach to learn your best football; players, you've got to have some good players around you but most of all you've just got to look after yourself.
"You can't sell yourself short. You've just got to look after yourself and go where you think you're going to play your best football."
