Jack Bird hopes the next stage of his NRL career will be at lock as he winds up at Cronulla and heads to Brisbane.
Bird left on Wednesday as one of six debutants in Mal Meninga’s Prime Minister’s XIII team, who will play Papua New Guinea on Sunday in Port Moresby.
The NSW State of Origin utility will play No.6 in the PM’s line-up after spending the past two years at centre for the Sharks. He hopes the Broncos will use him at lock where he’d played junior football.
“I haven’t really spoken to Wayne (Bennett) about it,” the 22-year-old told AAP.
“I’ve played centre here (Cronulla) that last two years. I played five-eighth the first year I was here.
“I’m going up to Brisbane now not knowing exactly what position I’m going to play, whether that’s in the halves, or at lock, or in the centres.”
Bird signed a four-year deal in May worth around $4 million. Since then, Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima have settled in as the Broncos’ halves, but centre Tautau Moga is leaving for Newcastle.
“Hopefully, I can put on a bit of size and play lock. I think that’s where I can play some of my best football – in the middle there where I can have my hands on the football as much as possible,” said Bird who debuted at the Sharks in 2015, since playing 66 games and scoring 17 tries.
“I want to try to play like another five-eighth or fullback sort of role. I personally think that’s where my best position is.
“I’ve played lock ever since I was young. I also played some halves and back three but at lock is where I had my most success, in that No.13. Hopefully, I can get that jersey.
“Josh McGuire is there at the moment and playing great football. But I’m sure Wayne has got a plan up his sleeve.”
Bird was speaking Monday night at the Sharks’ presentation night after their early finals exit.
“Obviously it was a very disappointing moment to go out on that kind of note, and then knowing I’m not going to be playing with my good mates any more,” he said.
“I’m sure it’s not the end and I’ll see them around, but I’m going to really miss the club. It will be very hard, very weird to come up against them (in 2018),” Bird said.
“Winning the premiership with these guys is something I’ll never forget. I hold it very close to my heart.”
He has only a casual interest in Friday’s Brisbane-Melbourne preliminary final.
“I will watch the finals but I’m not really keeping one eye on the Broncos. I wish them all the best but I’m still a Shark. I don’t start with Brisbane until November.”
Jara W
Guest
Bird and Roberts on either side would sure be threatening. But I'm all for bringing Opacic back in.
Jara W
Guest
Mean this in the nicest possible way. But he makes a great 14.
Jara W
Guest
Would be exciting. But I feel Bennett has already been steering towards this. And all it's done is prove we're missing that big body in the middle.
lazza
Guest
No brainer he be a centre to replace Moga. He a hard runner and defensive
Rellum
Roar Guru
Next season I am assuming, with Blair leaving, McGuire moves back to the front in rotation with Joe, Matt Lodge and even Hass. TP Jr does for sure have the offloads and maybe a pass. I am not sure I see him linking up as a second play maker on either side. But I would rather him at lock than McGuire.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Rather see Opacic given another go at centre and Bird at lock. Before he done both his shoulders Opacic was giving opposition centres baths in defence and was fairly handy, though not terribly flashy, in attack.
Nat
Roar Guru
I don't disagree but the whole game has to change to a point. He's tough for sure and I like his confidence but at 93kg he'll need another 5kg+ and does that slow him down? I see him as a fast, strong ball runner. If he wants the ball go in and take it up like Hodgo. For me, we have Joey O, TPJr who have size and that ball playing ability and you cannot fault McGuire right now. Really who knows, Ol' coach is a bit smarter than me, he'll make the right call.
RM
Guest
With you on that. While it makes sense to have him replace Moga in a straight upgrade at centre, I really miss the days of the creative ball-playing lock in rugby league.It'd be great to see whether or not it can still succeed as a tactic in today's game. Bird might have to put on a bit of weight, but I'd love to see Bennett give him a go at 13 at some point next season
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
I hope this comment from Bird was taken out of context, otherwise the coach will shrink that ego in no time. But he is a great signing for the club, irrespective of where he plays, his game will go to another level in the Broncs colours.
johnno2
Guest
bad decision to buy Bird. my bi-partisan support in 2018 will be primarily with the COWBOYS
Rellum
Roar Guru
I really hope he does play lock so we can shake up and challenge teams with our attack and get away from this middle forward thing, which is just an excuse to have three front rowers on the park at once, Much rather have a guy who can run and defend in the middle but float across the park to be a second play maker/ ball player to really give opposition defenses some real headaches.
Craig
Guest
The logical position is replacing Moga at centre? As a Broncos fan, this is exciting times. The above is referencing the departure of Moga more than the arrival of Bird.
Nat
Roar Guru
Better change that attitude my man. You're not a middle. Gallen, Klemmer, Finucane, Frizell and Taumalolo. Leave it the big boys and get used to centre.