Low-flying Bird after positional snubbing

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

An emotional Bird said yesterday he had not been happy during the early stages of his Broncos career.

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

“My confidence dropped pretty heavy,” 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.

“After the game I was a bit upset with myself. It’s been playing on my mind all weekend. I know I’m better.”

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