Bulldogs officials are fuming over reports Sonny Bill Williams wants to quit the NRL to pursue a rugby union career in Europe and will confront the New Zealand international over claims he is unhappy at the club.
A Sunday newspaper report claimed Williams wanted out of the club because of issues within the Bulldogs, including the club's failure to upgrade his contract after losing well-paid stars Willie Mason and Brent Sherwin in the offseason.
Williams signed a five-year deal in 2007 worth $400,000 a season, but could earn almost double that in the Super League or if he converts to rugby union.
The 22-year-old, who has played just 69 NRL games since his debut in 2004, has attracted interest from English and French rugby clubs since expressing his desire to play for the All Blacks two weeks ago, sparking concerns he could leave the NRL before his current contract expires in 2012.
He is not the only NRL superstar confronted with the possibility to leave mid-deal as Dragons Test centre Mark Gasnier is considering offers to also go to France and switch codes.
Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg had not heard Williams was unhappy at the club and expects the club's highest paid player to honour his deal.
"Sonny has got a contract with the club and is only one year into a five-year deal and we expect him to honour that contract," said Greenberg.
"The club has made plans and continues to make plans in recruitment and retention on the back of Sonny's commitment and see him being part of this club going forward."
The fact the club's highest-paid player reportedly wants more money has angered those within the Bulldogs who fear it could create disharmony among a side struggling after three successive losses.
The longer the uncertainty over Williams' future at the club continues, the more it is affecting his popularity with fans, many fed up with the parade of superstars walking out on the 'family club.'
The Bulldogs showed tremendous loyalty when Williams struggled with persistent knee injuries in 2005 and 2006 and many believe the fact the club was willing, at his request, to offer a five-year deal despite the risk of more injury-plagued years should be enough reason for him not to leave.
"The Dogs have done everything by SBW in terms of loyalty," wrote one fan on The Kennel website.
"From sticking by him with his fragile knees, to even giving him an extra to years on his deal after he requested it.
"He is on big money as it is, probably the most in the league ... All you clowns screaming for management to give him whatever he wants are the same clowns who will be screaming and carrying on about us not being able to keep any of our rising stars because sooky bill wants the whole cap to himself.
"If all this is true about him not wanting to be here throw the clown in NSW cup and let him sit there for the next five years."
