Bird signed a $2.1 million contract to join Bennett’s boys in the Queensland capital and the club are understandably disappointed after developing the centre.

“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,” Flanagan said.

“Since debuting for us in 2015, our club has played a major role in developing Jack into a State of Origin level player which is a testament to the talent identification and player development systems we have in place. We look forward to steering many more of our talented young players along a similar journey in the years to come.  



“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.”  

Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman was equally disappointed to lose the Origin representative.  

“Despite our club making its highest ever financial offer to secure a current player, it could not match the multi-million dollar deal offered to Bird to join the Broncos,” Gorman said.

“While we are always disappointed to see any player move on from our club, and particularly one of Jack’s talent, it is also important to note that the future of our club is not built around any one individual.”

The club said Bird would be making no public comment prior to Sunday's match against the Panthers.