The Bunker: Brisbane Broncos recruit Jack Bird needs to fly after being winged for 2018 season

NOTHING that happened to Jack Bird in 2018 was his fault. But if he’s going to be worth the investment the Broncos have made, he needs to start his pre-season flying, writes Rikki-Lee Arnold

Wayne Bennett and Jack Bird speak during Broncos training.

JACK Bird will hit the training paddock today in the knowledge that 2019 could make or break his Broncos career.

What happened to the former NSW Origin star last season – his first year with the Broncos – was not his fault in the slightest.

He came into 2018 underdone after having shoulder surgery and then only played eight games before he was ruled out for the remainder of the year with a serious sternum injury.

Jack Bird starts his pre-season with the Brisbane Broncos having gone through a torrid 2018.

His limited appearances for Brisbane were met with backlash, which only died down once it was revealed the pain he had pushed through to play for his new club.

Reports soon emerged that Bird was unhappy at Red Hill and that he wanted to bring an early end to his four-year contract and return home to Sydney.

These suggestions were met with denials by the Broncos, but coach Wayne Bennett admitted Bird had “been through the worst”.

But whether or not he deserved the heavy criticism from pundits and fans alike, Bird has to start his pre-season with a thirst to not only get back to the player he once was, but be better.

Jack Bird celebrates winning the grand final with Cronulla in 2016. Picture: Gregg Porteous

At just 23, there is no doubt Bird’s best football is still ahead of him if he can reclaim the form that saw him reach the heights of winning a premiership with Cronulla and wearing the Blues jersey.

But given he is on a reported $750,000 a year, the fans will not be patient with Bird.

And given someone else is likely to lose their spot to make way for him in Brisbane’s 17, the pressure will be on.

Bird is one of a number of big-name players to return for pre-season tomorrow, with Matt Gillett (neck), Anthony Milford and Payne Haas (shoulders) expected at training.

New recruit Sean O’Sullivan and young gun Kotoni Staggs are also understood to be back, with Staggs one who could find direct competition from Bird.

The one issue that has plagued Bird since his arrival at Brisbane is where his best position is, but it’s looking more likely he will start at centre – the spot where Broncos greats Darren Lockyer and Gorden Tallis both believe he can be at his most dangerous.

Whether it is Bennett or Anthony Seibold who is coach next year – although it is understood South Sydney have still not yet contacted Brisbane over a potential swap for 2019 – there are some tough decisions to make.

If Bird is rewarded with a place at centre, it could not only force someone like Kiwi international Jordan Kahu out of the side, but it could mean 2018 breakout talent Staggs will spend another year relegated to the bench or in reserve grade.

Wayne Bennett and Jack Bird speak during Broncos training.

This is why Bird must make the most of his second chance with Brisbane.

If he was truly unhappy last season, it’s a good sign he did not walk away.

It shows he is prepared to make his move to Queensland worth it. It shows he is resilient.

And that is the mindset Bird has to have when he comes back to training.

He has to be prepared to fight and to prove to Broncos fans why he is not only worth the money but worth the wait and the changes to the line-up.