Broncos star Jack Bird admits his confidence took a hit in loss to Melbourne

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

Broncos training at Cliver Berghofer Centre. Pic Mark Cranitch.

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

An emotional Bird told The Courier-Mail he has not been happy during the early stages of his Broncos career.

Bird underwent a shoulder reconstruction late last year shortly after arriving at Red Hill on a four-season deal worth $750,000 annually.

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He missed the first two rounds of the NRL season and has barely fired a shot in five appearances for the Broncos.

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

“My confidence dropped pretty heavy after I moved back to left centre,” 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.

Bird is yet to hit top form for Brisbane.

“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. It’s what’s best for the team.

“It was more so that I was playing pretty bad myself. Getting moved out there dropped my confidence and made it a little bit worse.

“After the game I was a bit upset with myself. It’s been playing on my mind all weekend. I know I’m better than that and can come out and turn things around.”

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

He was Brisbane’s big-money recruit for the 2018 season, however has been criticised for his weight and is yet to make an impact on the field.

Bird was moved to five-eighth after two matches in the centres.

Bird said shoulder and sternum injuries were hampering his form and happiness.

“The move is sweet, I’m just a bit upset with the way I’m playing footy,” he said.

“If you’re not playing good footy you’re not going to be happy. That’s what I came up here for, to play good football.

“With me not doing that, then obviously it’s going to take a toll, especially coming back from injury. That’s the only thing I’m upset with. I’m not upset with the move or team. I’m mainly upset with myself.

“There is pressure with me moving here and being a big signing and all that kind of stuff.

“Two years ago I was playing good footy. The last two years I haven’t been myself.

“I know I’ve got a lot to prove. Hopefully I can turn things around. I know I can.”

Bird played three games at left centre before replacing Kodi Nikorima in the halves alongside Anthony Milford.

Bird wants to play five-eighth in the long-term.

He will start at five-eighth in Thursday’s clash against the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium and said he hoped to cement the position long-term.

“I’m enjoying it at the moment, I just need to find my mojo,” Bird said.

“Once I start doing that, I think I will be playing better footy.

“Wayne’s given me every opportunity to play to my ability. He has tried to support me as much as he can.

“He’s told me to back my instincts, play football, run hard, tackle hard. That’s something I have to start doing again. I obviously haven’t been doing that.”

Bird said he was a long way off deserving the Blues No. 6 jersey for Origin I at the MCG on June 6.

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