Jack Bird is ready to return to the five-eighth role he played early in his career on a regular basis to help St George Illawarra secure a finals berth for the first time since 2018.
Bird, who was recalled from NSW Cup to replace the suspended Kyle Flanagan in last weekend’s win against the Titans, has been named in the No.6 jersey for Sunday’s match against the Sharks at WIN Stadium.
With Flanagan suspended until the finals, Bird said he was now ready to take on the playmaking duties alongside Ben Hunt for the rest of the regular season as the Dragons seek to secure their place in the top eight.
Bird breaks the line
“I have played five-eighth before, I can play any position really,” Bird said. “I felt comfortable out there and I enjoyed myself, so that's the main thing.
“It was a new position for me, I haven't played there for a few years. We got the win, so I was happy with my performance and I was happy with how the team went. We gelled pretty well.
“It’s just about keeping it simple, doing what I need to do and not trying to do too much. Just keep it simple and stick to the game plan.”
After playing just one NRL match in 12 weeks, Bird spent 71 minutes at five-eighth against the Titans before debutant Lyhkan King-Togia entered the field.
Dragons v Titans – Round 24, 2024
“Obviously it's always hard not playing in first grade but that's footy, that's the business,” said Bird, who was sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury and had been playing fullback in NSW Cup since his return.
“You have to train hard, you have to play good, and try and make your way back in. No position is given to you, you have to train hard and earn your right to be in the team.
"The last few weeks I have been playing NSW Cup, we've had a few wins and I've really enjoyed it back there.
“It's step by step, nothing looking too far ahead. I just need to keep playing good footy and hopefully I stay in first grade.”
The 29-year-old is one of just three members of the Cronulla team that won the 2016 premiership under Dragons coach Shane Flanagan and the pair are looking forward to taking on their former club.
The others are Cowboys pair Chad Townsend and Val Holmes, who will re-unite with Flanagan at St George Illawarra next season after signing a three-year deal, and Bird hopes to play alongside him again.
“I believe I have a few good years in me,” Bird said. “I'm only 29, so I still think I have another four good years in me if the body holds up.”
Bird said the clash with the fourth-placed Sharks would be a good test of the Red V’s finals credentials and he believes they have the ability to spring an upset and continue to build momentum for a finals berth.
“If we go out there and stick to our game plan we know what we can do, so I think we can win some games,” Bird said.
“Obviously, the Sharks are going to be playing finals so if we can knock them off, we can say that we're a top-calibre team. We've just got to train hard this week and take it step by step.”
