Jack Bird’s signing proves Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has not lost his aura

WAYNE Bennett has proved there are few more persuasive or respected figures in the game by landing Cronulla’s NSW Origin star Jack Bird.

Wayne Bennett at Red Hill. Pic Annette Dew

WAYNE Bennett’s aura was not missing for long.

It was the talk of the NRL pre-season — did the Brisbane Broncos coach still possess the clout he has throughout a decorated 40-year coaching career?

In Jack Bird’s eyes he certainly does.

Bennett proved there are few more persuasive or respected figures in the game by landing Cronulla’s NSW Origin star on a three-year deal.

The Broncos believe Bird’s signature is one of the biggest they have ever secured.

A 22-year-old State of Origin representative who has won an NRL premiership and can play nearly every position on the park.

Sure, money talks. Sharks insiders believe Bird will pocket close to $1 million-a-season and they could not match it.

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Jack Bird will join the Broncos in 2018. Picture: Gregg Porteous

But it was Bennett’s influence which proved to be Brisbane’s trump card.

At his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Bennett revealed Bird was 15 when they met at St George-Illawarra.

Bennett signed Bird to the Dragons in 2011 but never had the opportunity to coach him.

The Broncos first registered their interest in securing Bird in February.

They held multiple meetings as Bennett tried to convince him his best football would come in a Broncos jersey.

Which number jersey that is remains to be seen.

Unless Kodi Nikorima fires at halfback in the absence of Ben Hunt over the next six weeks, the likely scenario is Anthony Milford will shift into the No. 7 to accommodate Bird at five-eighth.

It is a position the Broncos believe Bird can flourish in.

He made his NRL debut as a five-eighth in 2015 and has also played centre and fullback for the Sharks.

Cronulla was fuming at Bird’s decision to fly the coup.

Coach Shane Flanagan and senior players Paul Gallen and Chris Heighington worked overtime on Wednesday to convince Bird to stay.

The club issued a statement making their disappointment at losing Bird clear.

“Our club has today been advised that regardless of our best efforts to retain him, Jack Bird has accepted a multi-year contract at the Brisbane Broncos,” the statement read.

“Despite our club making its highest ever financial offer to secure a current player, it could not match the multi-million dollar deal offered to Bird to join the Broncos.”

What the Sharks failed to mention was the silent figure in the background pulling the strings to deliver Bird to Red Hill.

Bennett is back and Brisbane’s doubters must take notice.