http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...l/news-story/fd3bd172d4f3e45417574e320d20dca1
THE Broncos will put out the welcome mat for Cronulla’s Jack Bird next year, after a number of Brisbane players heaped praise on the NSW Origin star.
Brisbane are the hot favourites to snare the signature of Bird for 2018 and beyond, with the 22-year-old’s future expected to be finalised this week.
With Broncos halfback Ben Hunt on his way out of the club next season, the Broncos have been bidding for Bird’s services as he has the ability to play in the halves or at fullback should Darius Boyd make the switch to the No. 6 jersey.
Forward Josh McGuire on Monday lauded the talent of his possible future teammate, labelling Bird as the exact type of player the Broncos would want at Red Hill.
“He’s a really good competitor,” McGuire said.
“Every week I watch him play. He competes, he’s hard to tackle, he wants to win and people like that are who we want at this club.
“I don’t know if he is or isn’t coming, but he would be a great addition to the playing group. From all reports I’ve heard, he’s a good bloke as well.”
It is understood part of Bird’s motivation to move to the Sunshine State is the chance to work with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.
Bennett was coaching the Dragons in 2011 when Bird was in the club’s junior system.
Despite suggestions earlier this year that Bennett had “lost his aura”, Sam Thaiday said Bird’s desire to work under the super coach just proved he still had plenty of appeal for players.
“(Wayne) has definitely still got that star factor about him,” Thaiday said.
“If players that aren’t at our club and don’t know our environment still want to come up and play under Wayne Bennett, it shows he still has that draw.
“(Bird) is a fantastic young talent. He’s done some great things down at the Sharks. If he wants to come here … he will be a fantastic addition to this Broncos team.”
The Broncos trained at Logan on Monday in a bid to lift the spirits of the flood-impacted community.
Korbin Sims (foot), Corey Oates (groin) and Alex Glenn (achilles soreness) were all missing from the session, but all did recovery work back at Red Hill.
The trio are expected to be fine for Friday’s derby clash against the Titans, with the Broncos already down Ben Hunt (hamstring) for the occasion.
McGuire said while the team were disappointed to lose Hunt for the next two months, they trusted Kodi Nikorima could easily slot into the side to continue their winning form.
“You can’t replace a player like Ben Hunt but we have good depth here at the club,” McGuire said.
“We can keep on winning. That’s the good thing about our club. We’re playing with a structure at the moment that a lot of people can fit into.
“All the boys are enjoying their footy so hopefully the ride just keeps on going.”