Jack Bird is one of six players who have walked through the doors at Concord as part of Benji Marshall’s proposed revolution.
The Wests Tigers have scooped the wooden spoon for the past three years, but confidence is growing that the club can finally turn their fortunes around in 2025 due to their recruitment drive.
The premiership-winning signing from St George Illawarra will be joined by star playmaker Jarome Luai, as well as Sunia Turuva, Jeral Skelton, Royce Hunt and Terrell May.
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What position will Jack Bird play for the Wests Tigers in 2025?
Bird returned to the centres for the Dragons last season following Shane Flanagan’s arrival.
The coach, who won the premiership with Bird at Cronulla, noted how a lack of power and size meant the five-time New South Wales representative was better suited to a place in the backline.
However, after initially impressing in his former role for a 10-game stretch, injury struck in Round 12 when he rolled his ankle playing against Canterbury.
After returning from the layoff, Bird didn't manage to reclaim his spot in the centres and was instead used as a utility off the bench and at five-eighth for the remainder of the season.
Marshall has an opposing view to Flanagan though on where Bird is best suited, with the New Zealander set to carve out a space for him in his forward pack.
MORE: Shane Flanagan reveals frustrations around the exit of Ben Hunt at the Dragons
"I've been training as a No.13," Bird told The Daily Telegraph.
"It’s really up to Benji and the coaching staff but I think the chats I’ve had with Benji, he wants me to play at No.13 and just try to get used to that role again."
The 29-year-old will form part of a new-look pack next season given the arrivals of May and Hunt, along with the exits of Stefano Utoikamanu and Isaiah Papalii.
Meanwhile, John Bateman’s future at the club is far from assured as rumours of a potential switch to an NRL rival refuse to go away.
The recently re-signed Fonua Pole was utilised predominantly at lock last season, while Alex Seyfarth and Alex Twal also spent time in the No.13 jersey.
Yet Bird appears to have jumped ahead of this trio in the pecking order for the Tigers ahead of the new campaign.
"It’s been a while since I played in the middle," Bird admitted.
"The plan is to play at lock."
