Shane Flanagan, the new coach of the St George Illawarra Dragons, has announced that Jack Bird will move from forward to center position this season.
Flanagan, who played primarily in the second row, off the interchange bench, and at lock last season, hopes that a move to the centres will rekindle his Origin form and allow him to focus on just one role this season.
Surprisingly, the incoming coach revealed that he will be the club’s first halves replacement if Kyle Flanagan or Ben Hunt are injured or dropped due to inconsistent form.
The news indicates a new signing. Jesse Marschke, a North Sydney Bears player, will primarily play in the reserve grade this season.
Coach Shane Flanagan stated that if there is an injury in the halves, “Birdy” will be the first halves replacement due to his strong performance (NCA Newswire).
“He did it as a kid and played there at the Sharks for us.”
“But Birdy has primarily trained at centre, where he also played for me at the Sharks and performed admirably.
“I believe he is smart defensively and carries the ball well out of the backend of the field. Today’s back-rowers are tall, big, and athletic. Birdy wants to tell you he is, but he isn’t.
Despite having played five Origin games for the NSW Blues, Bird was demoted to the NSW Cup for two weeks last season due to inconsistent performance.
As pre-season training continues, Bird hopes Flanagan can return him to his outstanding form from the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
“Last year was the last year. Stuff happens. It was likely a good wake-up call. “I want to play first grade, not reserve grade,” Bird previously told NRL.com.
“I think I’m in first grade and getting dropped back there… hopefully this year will be a better year for myself and the team, and I believe Flanno can bring out the best in me so I don’t get dropped again.
“I like being coached by Flanno. It has been refreshing. Flanno and I get along pretty well; we can talk, joke, and he doesn’t put up with nonsense.
“You can’t stuff around with Flanno, he’ll get up you – especially me, he gets up me all the time.”
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