Jack Bird to remain at Red Hill despite testing his value on the open market

Despite testing his value on the open market, injury-prone centre Jack Bird is set to stay with the Broncos in 2020 as he attempts to rebuild his struggling career.

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Broncos utility Jack Bird looks set to remain at Red Hill next year despite testing his value on the open market.

Bird’s future at the Broncos came under a cloud last month after coach Anthony Seibold confirmed his management had approached the club for the opportunity to explore the market.

It came amid speculation the injury-ravaged star was set to be squeezed out of Red Hill due to salary cap pressure.

The 24-year-old has managed just 17 games for the Broncos in two seasons after suffering an unlucky run of injuries requiring shoulder, sternum and knee operations.

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Bird has played 17 games in two years with Brisbane. Picture by Adam Head.

However, Bird has returned to the training paddock and reportedly “training the house down” to secure a starting spot next year.

Bird’s manager Chris Orr confirmed there had been no significant discussions with other clubs and the NSW Origin star looked likely to remain at Red Hill next year.

“There has been no meaningful discussions or sit-downs with other clubs,” Orr said.

“If an offer does come along that Jack likes then we will consider that.

“At this stage, Jack will be at the Broncos for next year.

“From all reports coming out of the Broncos, Jack is training the house down to be fit and ready for 2020.”

The Courier-Mail revealed last month that St George and the Bulldogs had been eyeing off the NSW Origin star.

Speculation around Bird’s future erupted in the fallout of the Broncos end-of-season player reviews when Seibold made it clear that no player was guaranteed their position next year.

Bird has struggled to stay on the field since joining Brisbane. AAP Image/Jono Searle) NO ARCHIVING

The Broncos are under pressure to sign an experienced playmaker and jettisoning Bird would free-up the salary cap funds to allow Brisbane to explore the player market.

The conundrum for the Broncos is that Bird is contracted until the end of next year with a further 12-month option in his favour, which he can feasibly activate to remain at Red Hill until 2021.

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer, a member of Brisbane’s recruitment-and-retention committee, told The Courier-Mail last month Bird could fight his way back into a starting spot.

“The 2020 season is a big year for Jack,” Lockyer said.

“It is not his fault, he’s had some injuries and he hasn’t been able to stay on the footy field which is a shame.

“He was playing decent footy this year before his knee injury so maybe he can fight his way back if he stays around.”

Originally published as Jack Bird to remain at Red Hill despite testing his value on the open market