Finally fit again, Jack Bird has vowed to overcome a nightmare year and "get cracking" in the centres for Brisbane in 2019.
Bird, 23, has hit the ground running at Broncos pre-season training after at last receiving the all clear for a sternum complaint that capped his Brisbane debut NRL season from hell.
The former Cronulla star said there was now nothing stopping him from staking a claim in the Broncos centres next year in what looms as a deadly combination with NSW X-factor James Roberts.
Ex-Blues player Bird was due some good news on the fitness front after his pre-season was disrupted by a shoulder reconstruction before being struck down by the sternum injury that required 10 screws to be inserted.
"The sternum is 100 per cent right," Bird told reporters.
"I saw the surgeon last week and got the all clear to go ahead with contact and every other thing.
"I'm feeling good. With the shoulder injury I didn't have the full pre-season and it was hard to gel with the boys (this year).
"But this is a good opportunity to tie the ropes down and get cracking."
Bird arrived at Brisbane in late 2017 amid plenty of hype after reportedly signing a four-year, $4 million deal.
But he has failed to provide any bang for their buck to date, playing just eight games in 2018 due to his injury curse.
A rejuvenated Bird was confident of not only staying on the field but making the centre position his own next year after a quiet chat with coach Wayne Bennett.
Bird featured in the centres for Cronulla in their 2016 NRL premiership triumph.
"I spoke to Wayne at the end of the season and I am pretty sure I will be playing in the centres and I am happy with that," said Bird.
"I just need to get back on the field and that is all I am concentrating on."
Bennett has opted to give Bird a shot at centre, ending the debate for now over where the prized recruit should play after being linked to lock, the halves and even a bench utility role at Red Hill.
Australian Associated Press
