RUGBY LEAGUE
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While Dragons fans undoubtedly find Jack Bird's meteoric rise hard to watch, the fact he's earned Country selection after just five top-grade games shows the move to the Sharks was the right one for the 20-year-old.
The Berkeley product was the star of the Dragons NYC side that reached the preliminary final last year and represented the NSW under 20s and Junior Kangaroos in a standout season.
His rare talent left the Red V faithful livid that the Dragons would let one of their best juniors move to their arch-rivals.
However, had he not shifted north, there's every chance he would be lining up alongside Drew Hutchison for the Junior Kangaroos this weekend, not pressing his Origin claims with Country in Wagga.
Bird can cover every position on the field bar the front row but at the Dragons his path to the No 6 jumper was blocked by Gareth Widdop.
The club was also well-stocked for back-rowers where Bird primarily played in the NYC, and the Sharks promised a quicker path to the NRL.
The Dragons' well-publicised salary cap squeeze also made it hard for the club to splash out on a player then un-tested at NRL level.
"It was a big step for me and my family coming from the St George Dragons but it's worked out pretty well," Bird said.
"It was a big decision to make but being at Cronulla now I'm happy and hopefully I can keep doing my best for them."
He's rewarded the Sharks' faith, producing a man-of-the-match performance in his starting debut against the Rosters in round five, scoring two tries in the Sharks' 20-12 victory.
He's held down five-eighth spot for the Sharks in every game since, relegating Ben Barba to the interchange bench, with his form enough to earn a spot on the bench for Country.
An injury to Jarrod Mullen has thrust him into the hot seat in the halves alongside Origin hopeful James Maloney in Trent Barrett's side.
His utility value has led some to suggest he may be a bolter for Origin I despite Blues coach Laurie Daley playing down his selection chances.
Bird did the same this week.
"Origin's a big step away for me," he said.
"I've only played five games of first grade so getting chucked out there for Origin is a big call.
"I'll just take it as it comes. I'm just stoked to be here.
"Obviously it's bit different to club football but we're all the same, we're all human beings.
"It's a big step, rep footy, but I think I'm up to it and hopefully I can keep playing good football and see what comes from it."
While he's shifted to the Shire, Bird said he will always be "Berkeley born and bred".
"It's where it all started for me," he said.
"If I can make a few people out there happy [with country selection] that's great."