The Cronulla Sharks have confirmed that Jack Bird will depart the Shire at the end of the 2017 NRL season, with the 21-year-old NSW VB Blues representative informing the club that he has signed with the Brisbane Broncos for 2018 and beyond.
“On behalf of the Coaching staff and players I am terribly disappointed that Jack has decided to move on considering he made his NRL debut at our Club, was the NRL Rookie of the Year, made his debut for Origin and won a premiership all within the space of just over two years," said Sharks Coach Shane Flanagan in a club statement.
“While we wish Jack well in his future endeavours, he is a professional and we have no doubt he will continue to give his full focus to his Club and his teammates on and off the field and play a major role throughout 2017."
The Sharks stressed their efforts in looking to retain the 2016 Premiership-winning centre, saying the tabled contract was its "highest ever financial offer to secure a current player."
Bird had signed just a one-year extension with the Sharks ahead of the 2016 NRL season, a year where he and the club went on to win a maiden title.
