7th Tackle: Bird Snr sets record straight on Broncos rumours

Jack Bird is definitely coming to Brisbane, has no reservations about his move north nor is he interested in staying at Cronulla – according to his dad Mick.

Rumours have been swirling for months that Bird wants out of his deal with Brisbane to stay with the Sharks. The man himself has kept quiet, so we contacted his father to set the record straight.

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“I speak to Jack all the time and he’s really looking forward to joining the Broncos and he’s just confused by it all,” Mick said.

“Like any 22-year-old he’s nervous about a big move but not once has ever mentioned not wanting to go. It’s all a bit weird.”

The Broncos are also confused - about the motives behind the Bird rumour mongering. A high-ranking Broncos official told us they’re in regular contact with Bird and that he remains positive about fulfilling the four year deal.

Privately, the Broncos believe Cronulla want Bird to backflip to allow them to release James Maloney.

Maloney has been at loggerheads with the Sharks for most of the year about a pay rise.

Cronulla has stood firm as relations became strained, and would release him tomorrow if there were another capable playmaker at the club in 2018.

But with both Bird and Nu Brown (Bulldogs) on the move, their depth in the halves is stretched. Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has chased Cooper Cronk hard, but his desire to join Melbourne’s most bitter rivals is questionable at best.

It all sets intriguing backdrop to tomorrow night’s big clash between the two clubs at Suncorp Stadium.