Fans are split over Brisbane’s decision to sign Sharks star Jack Bird

FOOTY fans appear to be split over the Brisbane Broncos’ decision to poach NSW Origin utility Jack Bird from Cronulla.

Jack Bird has signed with the Broncos. Jack Bird.

FOOTY fans appear to be split over the Brisbane Broncos’ decision to poach NSW Origin utility Jack Bird from Cronulla.

Bird, 22, will join the Broncos in 2018 on a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth season, to replace Dragons-bound halfback Ben Hunt.

Bird is likely to play five-eighth for the Broncos with Anthony Milford shifting into the No. 7 jersey made famous by Allan Langer.

Footy fans on The Courier Mail’s Facebook page have voiced contrasting views on the Broncos’ acquisition of Bird.

COUP: Benny gets his man as Bird joins Broncos

Jack Bird’s signing has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Jack Bird.

Simon Fox wrote: “Big gamble signing a centre to play 5/8th and switching Milford to half back?? Would’ve thought there’s more value in signing a decent half back, we haven’t really had one since Alf gave it away.”

Andrew Soutar said: “Is this a joke? why commit so much money to a unproven half Ben Hunt could have stayed for that type of money long term.”

Bird, who played centre for the Sharks in last year’s grand final win, could be used at lock or fullback for the Broncos too.

Greg Dyer floated the possibility of multiple positional switches: “Nikorima and milf in the halves. Bird at left centre or lock. Or the more likely. Bird at fullback and Boyd at 5/8 milf at 7.”

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett’s pulling power appeared to play a major role in securing Bird from Cronulla given he had a lucrative offer from Newcastle on the table.

“Smartest choice of his life coming to Bronx yeah giddy up,” Billy Luhrman wrote.

Others weren’t too bothered by the big Easter news: “Yawn”, wrote Stefan Frost.

Originally published as Fans are split over Brisbane’s decision to sign Sharks star Jack Bird