JACK Bird has told Wayne Bennett he is prepared to team with James Roberts in the centres and give the Broncos the most potent strike force in the NRL.
In a revelation that will further infuriate the Sharks, Brisbane’s new recruit Bird is happy to be a Broncos centre — the very position that contributed to his exit at Cronulla.
The Courier-Mail can reveal the contents of a meeting between Bennett and Bird that clinched one of the most exciting signings in Brisbane’s 29-year history.
The Sharks last week lashed Bird in a press release after the Broncos formally secured the NSW Origin utility from next season.
But tensions with the Sharks have been brewing for some time, with Bird communicating his frustration to Bennett over his tactical treatment at the premiers.
Bird’s grievance at Cronulla does not specifically relate to being posted in the centres, rather the way in which he is being used as part of coach Shane Flanagan’s tactical blueprint.
The 22-year-old is expected to partner Anthony Milford at the Broncos scrumbase next season, but Bird has told Bennett he has no issue playing centre if used the right way.
Bennett has assured Bird he would not be starved of ball in the three-quarters.
It was that dialogue which formed a key plank in Bird’s belief he could go to the next level as a footballer under Bennett’s tutelage at Red Hill.
The Broncos have revamped their offence to get right-centre Roberts more involved this season, as evidenced on Friday night as ‘The Jet’ ran riot in a three-try haul against the Titans.
Brisbane’s left-centre slot has been the club’s problem area since Jack Reed retired midway through last season.
Rookie Tom Opacic was deployed there during last year’s playoffs, while Cowboys recruit Tautau Moga is now attempting to cement his place at left centre.
But Bird is a vastly superior player to both and, in tandem with Roberts, could give the Broncos lethal points of attack on their left and right edge.
