Lured to Red Hill on a deal worth a reported $1 million a season, the Broncos coach slammed the Sharks after Bird underwent surgery Thursday.  

Bennett said Cronulla had given no information on the shoulder injury and failed to diagnose that Bird needed surgery.

“I’m really disappointed in the handling of Jack,” Bennett told the Courier Mail.

“We have lost a lot of time which is unsatisfactory. If this had all been diagnosed and sorted out correctly, Jack would have been right to start the season.

“Opportunities have been missed. We’re now a long way behind with Jack’s rehabilitation.”

The Sharks issued a statement Saturday stating they were “insulted” by Bennett’s “inaccurate” attack.

They said Brisbane medical staff had been informed of Bird’s injury in August.

“Following the Sharks elimination from the Final Series, Jack underwent the standard Exit Medical Assessment with Sharks medical staff on September 14,” the statement read.

“This assessment did not give rise to any evidence that would change the Club’s management of Jack. Based on this assessment, if Jack was remaining at the Sharks for the 2018 season, he would not be having reconstructive surgery. The exit medical screening and shoulder scan results were sent to Brisbane Broncos medical staff on October 6.

“Jack participated in the Prime Minister’s 13 in Papua New Guinea in the hope of making the Australian World Cup Squad on September 23. As Jack competed we assume that the Australian Medical Staff deemed Jack fit to play.

“During Round 23 of the 2017 NRL season, the week after Jack initially injured his shoulder, the Cronulla Sharks played the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium (Friday, August 11). When in Brisbane, Sharks medical staff discussed Jack’s scan findings, in person, with the Brisbane Broncos medical staff. They have been aware of the details of the injury since that time.

“Suggestions that Jack Bird’s injury is similar to that sustained by Anthony Milford are incorrect. Jack did not dislocate his shoulder. The statement that the Brisbane Broncos have lost time with Jack as a direct result of the medical processes carried out by the Sharks has no basis in fact.

“The Sharks view their duty of care to their players as their top priority. The players’ health, well-being and welfare are taken very seriously and any disparaging remarks will be vigorously defended.”