Despite months of talks Sam Thaiday says he is no closer to finalising a new NRL deal with Brisbane, admitting he is “over it”.
Off-contract Thaiday has done his best to bump up his price, displaying career-best form in the absence of Queensland prop Josh McGuire, out with an Achilles injury.
But Thaiday, 30, admits he has no idea when a new Broncos deal will be officially signed off – three months after first receiving a contract extension offer from Brisbane.
Thaiday said he could completely understand that Broncos boss Paul White’s ongoing health battle may have slowed down the process.
However, the frustrated forward hopes a fresh deal will be green lighted soon as he prepares for second-placed Brisbane’s looming NRL finals campaign.
“I would just like to get it done,” Thaiday told AAP.
“With Paul (White) being sick, it doesn’t overly help.
“And I am still trying to get some third party things approved by the NRL.
“It’s been an ongoing thing for a long time. You just kind of get over it.”
Remarkably Thaiday’s 12-year Brisbane career appeared on the line not so long ago.
Returning coach Wayne Bennett refused to re-sign the burly forward at the start of 2015, instead challenging him to show he was worthy of a new deal from the Brisbane bench.
Thaiday promptly earned trans-Tasman Test selection in May despite the return of 10 Australians who missed last October’s Four Nations due to injury.
He also chimed into Queensland’s ninth Origin series win in 10 years.
However, Thaiday really stood tall after Maroons book end McGuire went down for Brisbane in June.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Josh,” Thaiday said.
“This was his breakout year. He got the chance to play for Queensland, something that he had dreamed about since a kid.
“To lose him did leave a big hole in our side.
“But I think it has given myself and Adam (Blair) a real chance to bond as a front row partnership and I think we are doing well there.
“I am not surprised at how we are going because we do work very hard together as a pack.”
Thaiday’s form resurgence has helped Brisbane vie for their first minor premiership since 2000 ahead of a tilt for title No.7.
“I am not usually a fan of playing in the front row but sometimes you have to do things you don’t like in rugby league,” regular backrower Thaiday said.
“I have always loved the defensive aspect of playing in the middle of the field.
“But the hard carries are a mental thing.
“I have embraced it and try and inspire a few blokes with some runs.”
Brisbane host Melbourne on Thursday night before next week’s NRL finals kick-off.
