Bird is not flying coop

BRISBANE hierarchy insist Jack Bird has not asked for a release from the Broncos and have backed the besieged $3.5 million recruit to deliver on the club’s big-money investment.

Bird heads into Saturday’s double-header against Manly at Suncorp Stadium in the worst form slump of his career, having failed to score a try or make a line-break in 556 minutes of action for the Broncos.

A fortnight ago, Bird revealed he was battling a crisis of confidence – and the Broncos have since been buffeted by speculation the NSW Origin utility is considering walking. But Bird met with coach Wayne Bennett outlining his desire to stay, although spoke of frustrations with a sternum injury.