Luckless NRL star Jack Bird has opened up about the injuries that threatened to end his career, and revealed he’s on the verge of signing a new contract with St George Illawarra.
The 26-year-old is an international representative player at his best, and can play at centre, fullback, five-eighth, and even lock.
But after winning the 2016 grand final with Cronulla, he managed to play only 34 games in four seasons. In three years at the Broncos he played 17 games, and missed the entire 2020 season.
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“You know what injuries do to you, they make you lose confidence in your body, and in the game you usually play,” Bird told Nine’s Danny Weidler.
“Coming off two ACLs (ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments), a shoulder, sternum, those took a lot of confidence away from my game and from me as a person.
“It was kind of hard to get back. I feel like I’m getting there, it’s been a pretty tough road.”
Bird left Brisbane and returned home to Wollongong last year, where he became one of the Dragons’ best players. He played 22 games – covering four different positions in the process – and showed glimpses of his best football.
“Last year I was just trying to get a full season under my belt, I didn’t really care how I played,” he said.
“People count you out. Coming back, I’m not trying to prove them wrong, but you know your self worth. I think I’m bigger than they think I am.
“I know what I can do on the footy field.”
Now fully fit and back near his best, Bird is hoping to secure his future in the NRL within the coming weeks.
His contract with the Dragons expires this year, but negotiations are underway for a new one.
“I want to try get my contract sorted by Round 1… I don’t think it’s going to happen, it’s just around the corner,” Bird said.
“I want to stay there, I’ve let them know I want to be there. We’ve just got to come up with a deal.
“I haven’t spoken to any other club.”