Dragons head coach Anthony Griffin has hinted that Jack Bird will be used in several positions in 2022 as the centre continues his successful return from injury.
The 26-year-old has suffered many setbacks throughout his career with injuries to his elbow, sternum and most recently an ACL in 2020.
The injuries took their toll as Bird managed just 17 games across his three seasons with Brisbane.
Despite a return to the paddock in 2021 for St George, Griffin believes Bird can recapture his best footy in the halves and around the ball.
“It was a tough year for Jack (Bird) coming off nearly three years out of the game,” Griffin told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“He didn’t have a pre-season (in 2021). It was more rehab and just making sure his knee was ready to go for the start of the year.”
Bird managed 22 games in his return season with Griffin stating that the Dragons plan on playing him closer to the action next season.
“He can play anywhere,” Griffin said.
“We’ll probably concentrate…around that back row position and five-eighth.”
Griffin stated that Bird was managed in the centres last year to minimise the impact on his knee and ensure that Bird completed the season incident free.
“Now that he’s fully fit, we’re going to move him a bit closer to the ball,” he said.
The Dragons will face the Warriors in Round 1 of the 2022 season.