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Thurston negotiations won't be rushed
JOSH ALSTON
January 4th, 2010
OFFICIAL talks to keep Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston in the NRL will ramp up again this week with his manager Sam Ayoub to meet with executive Peter Parr when he returns from holidays.
The Brisbane Broncos are also looking to make a play for the services of the Australian halfback, who has been linked to a number or NRL clubs as well as domestic and overseas rugby union.
Ayoub reiterated both his and Thurston's desire to keep the talks private and said a final decision would not be rushed.
But he said talks with all parties were progressing well, despite reports yesterday that the ARU was not interested in a bidding war for Thurston's services.
''That makes me laugh, given the approaches and discussions we've had with certain people, but I've got no further comment at this stage,'' Ayoub said.
''To be honest, Johnathan is overseas and I'm not worried about a thing.
''He's on a break, it's everyone else who is more worried about it than we are.''
Cowboys pre-season training commences again today although Thurston will not take to the field again until next week after being granted a break after a taxing year of representative football.
Thurston has been linked with a number of NRL clubs including his former team the Bulldogs and Ayoub confirmed they will hold talks with the Broncos at the end of the week.
The Cowboys star will give his current club the final chance to counter-offer anything the rival clubs throw on the table, but Ayoub was keeping his cards close to his chest as to who those clubs - and codes - are.
''I'm not going to comment on who we're talking to and what stage or what level they're at because everything gets dramatised or blown out of proportion,'' he said.
''We're happy with the discussions we're having with all parties and that includes the Cowboys.
''At the end of week he'll be coming back and we'll be sitting down to discuss further options presently available to him.
''That includes discussions with the Broncos and we'll also be meeting with Parrie when he returns from holidays at the end of the week.''