A steady diet of burgers has not helped Jack Bird throw his weight around for Brisbane, Beau Ryan says.
Former Cronulla flyer Ryan has accused Bird of “going nuts” with a daily $20 McDonald’s gift card given to Broncos players, apparently earning the Sharks recruit the nickname “Burgie”.
It raises more questions about Bird’s fitness after another quiet display at halfback was cut short by a quad injury in Brisbane’s 22-20 NRL win over Canterbury on Thursday night.
Bird had admitted in the pre-season that he had a “bit of a gut” after piling on a few kilos since arriving at Brisbane this year.
However, Ryan’s claims may sound alarm bells for Broncos staff after Bird’s underwhelming season start.
“I think his weight has got something to do with it (lack of form),” Ryan told Macquarie Sports Radio Breakfast Show.
“He’s a great guy, they all love him, but they (Broncos players) call him ‘Burgie’ instead of ‘Birdie’ because he loves his burgers.
“Now rumour has it they (Broncos players) get a $20 gift card that they can spend per day at Maccas.
“They’re allowed to spend $20 per day at Maccas and apparently he’s been going nuts on that.”
Bird was so out of sorts on Thursday night that it looked like he had been benched by coach Wayne Bennett when he came off the field for the last 10 minutes with the game on the line.
“It looks like the old fashioned hook,” Fox Sports commentator Braith Anasta said as Bird left the field.
But it emerged Bird had damaged his quad when he slipped and gifted the Bulldogs a 65th minute try and 20-14 lead.
“When he slipped over he felt his quad tighten up a bit. I don’t think he will be available next week,” Bennett said.
Bird was initially considered a contender to partner James Maloney in the NSW Blues halves for June 6’s State of Origin opener.
But Anasta didn’t fancy Bird’s chances after making just 25m from three runs against the Bulldogs before breaking down.
“Bird’s only run the ball three times in the whole match playing in the halves,” Anasta said.
“You want him to run the ball. That’s why you’ve got him there.
“I know the NSW selectors are looking at him to play five-eighth for the Blues. Well, this will do his chances a lot of harm.”
For the record, Bennett was pleased with Bird’s progress after his fourth game in Brisbane’s halves.
“Jack’s growing in confidence. He was a lot more mistake free than he was last week, so he’s getting there,” he said.
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