Out-of-form Bird down in dumps

BRISBANE’S $3 million man Jack Bird has revealed his confidence is shot after being moved from five-eighth and he hasn’t played good football in two years.

An emotional Bird told News Corp yesterday he has not been happy during the early stages of his Broncos career.

Bird underwent a shoulder reconstruction late last year shortly after arriving at Red Hill on a four-season deal worth $750,000 annually.

He missed the first two rounds of the NRL season and has barely fired a shot in five appearances for the Broncos.

The NSW Origin star said his confidence took a blow after coach Wayne Bennett shifted him from five-eighth to centre during last Friday’s loss to Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.

“My confidence dropped pretty heavy after I moved back to left centre,” Bird said.

“I wasn’t having a good game as it was and to move back out to centre where you get no ball … my attitude needed to change a little bit towards that. It’s a team game.

“When you’re not playing a good game yourself and things start going pear-shaped ... I’m usually mentally tougher than that and a lot better.

“I kept it to myself. I’m not the type of player to go and blow up at Wayne or any of the coaching staff.”

Bird, 23, left Cronulla in controversial circumstances last year following three seasons at the Sharks, including the 2016 premiership.