Birthday boy set for Broncos debut
BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett says Jack Bird’s return to the NRL rests in the hands of the club doctor after the $3.5 million recruit yesterday took a step closer to his Broncos debut.
The NSW Origin utility, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, completed an intense 90minute session in Brisbane’s searing heat and is hopeful of being cleared for Friday’s clash against Wests Tigers in Sydney.
Bird celebrated his 23rd birthday and he could get the ultimate gift today when he visits Brisbane’s surgeon, who will decide whether his reconstructed shoulder is ready for contact against the Tigers.
The big-money Sharks import was expected to be sidelined until round five but Bird’s recovery has gone well and he is sweating on the green light to launch his Broncos career.
Bird trained at left centre yesterday and while he was not officially named in the squad for the Tigers showdown, Bennett said the Broncos doctor may yet rubber stamp his comeback.
“I’m leaving it to the doctor, he will tell us what to do with Jack,” Bennett said. “I don’t know at this moment if he will play.
“If he’s fit, he’s fit. If he isn’t fit, then he’s not. What’s it matter if we wait another week? I will leave it to the doctor, it’s up to him.”
Bird looked comfortable in contact situations at training yesterday. Wearing a padded guard on his chest to also protect a minor sternum injury, Bird reported minor soreness on his shoulder after the session but is within striking distance of his maiden Broncos cap.
Should Bird fail to impress the surgeon, rugged utility Tom Opacic, who was outstanding against the Cowboys last week, will start in the No. 3 jumper.
Bird is one of the most exciting attacking weapons in the code and halfback Kodi Nikorima said the premiership-winning former Shark would give the Broncos backline some extra bite.
“Jack is looking pretty good,” Nikorima said. “He hasn’t been cleared yet so if not Tommy (Opacic) will step up into that centre role. If he does play, I’ll be excited for Birdy.
“He has been training really well and brings a lot of energy. He’s a competitive guy who doesn’t like losing on or off the field.
“I’d be happy to have him back this week, but if not, we will wait another week.”
Nikorima admitted Bird initially had some trepidation about moving north to continue his NRL career in Queensland after winning a premiership at the Sharks in 2016.
“He was a bit nervous about coming to a Queensland club as a New South Welshman,” he said. “But we have welcomed him with open arms and he will really enjoy his footy here.
“When he gets stuff off the field right, he will perform on the field.”