St George Illawarra Dragons utility Jack Bird has spoke of his excitement at uniting with coach Shane Flanagan while also revealing another injury problem during pre-season.
Bird was only able to play 14 games in 2023, after coming into the year with a knee issue and reaggravating it while also suffering a shoulder injury.
The 28-year-old will now go into next year hoping he can overcome a different complaint.
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“It’s completely different to last year, it’s hard to explain because the pain, I’ve never had it,” he told 9News.
“It’s in the back of the knee but I’ve been doing everything I’ve been asked, fitness, gym work and there’s improvement so that’s the main thing.
“I don’t have big legs, they’re pretty skinny, I’ll just try and build the muscle up around the knee and get it stronger.”
Throughout his career, the 2016 premiership winner has constantly battled problems with his knee, namely an ACL injury he suffered at the Broncos.
At a young age, Bird discovered he had rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic disorder affecting joints throughout the limbs, which has been in remission since he was 17.
Despite a history with injuries, Bird’s best years came at a young age, winning a premiership with the Sharks at 21.
With Shane Flanagan replacing Anthony Griffin as coach of the Dragons this season, Bird has been reunited with the man that made it all happen and there’s excitement building around his presence.
”It’s just a whole different ball game with Flanno, he gets the best out of people and makes you train hard, and work hard,” he said.
“You can’t be lazy around him and I just like him as a coach.
“He just brings a good culture to the club, he’s changed a few things. Just his winning mentality, he always wants us to win, wants us to be fit and be strong and no BS attitude I guess. We’re all pretty confident we can make the finals next year.”