Blue Bird: The Dragons forward hoping to end lengthy Origin exile

There was a time, not that long ago, Jack Bird had the simple goal of avoiding injury.

Now the St George Illawarra forward has been able to do just that the past two seasons, he has raised his personal expectations for 2023, including a long-overdue return to the NSW Origin side.

Bird has finally settled on a permanent position at lock forward. He knows the one spot the Blues have an abundance of depth is the No.13 jersey, pitting him against Isaah Yeo, Cameron Murray, Jake Trbojevic and even Dale Finucane. Victor Radley is at least one rival lock who drops out of the conversation because of his decision to link with tier-one nation England at the World Cup.

“The last two years I’ve focused on getting through the season without injury, that’s happened, now I want to play Origin again,” Bird told the Herald.

“There are a lot of good players there, and it will be hard to do, but I’m heading into next season full of confidence, and I feel like I can play there again if I play my best football.

“I know there’s Cam Murray there, Isaah Yeo, but I’ve also played different positions, and I’d be happy to play as a utility [at that level].

Jack Bird has set some lofty personal goals for 2023.

“I’m not expecting to get a call-up, but as long as I can get a look-in or even a mention, that’s a massive confidence boost for myself.”

Bird has played five games for the Blues, his last coming in 2017 when he featured in all three Origins off the bench.

The two club seasons that followed were rocked by serious injuries. Bird played just 17 games during a couple of forgettable years at the Broncos, but has been a regular starter since returning to the Dragons.

The move to lock forward is one he loves, especially given it allows the former five-eighth to get his hands on the ball more, and be the link man to his halves like Murray and Yeo do for South Sydney and Penrith respectively.

Jack Bird was a handy utility option for the Blues.Credit:Getty

“I finished the season at lock, I’ve been training there at the moment, and I’m assuming I’ll be there again,” Bird, 27, said.

“I like playing with the footy, and being there helps me get my hands on the ball more.

“I want to help our halves and fullback and take a bit of pressure off them, and just play football.”

Bird, the Wollongong product who is the only premiership-winner on the Dragons’ books, is also desperate to play finals, something the club has not done since 2018 and the reason coach Anthony Griffin will head into the season under scrutiny. Most rival fans — and a decent share of the Red V faithful — will not expect to see their side figure in September.

Bird, however, like all players at this time of year is full of optimism and could not fault the side’s fitness levels. He said Griffin, whose company Bird enjoys on and away from the field, was driving fresh lofty standards.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

Most Viewed in Sport

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article