St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has made a shock switch by moving Jack Bird into the halves to face Sydney Roosters in the Anzac Day NRL blockbuster. The ex-Origin star has started the season with a bang in the centres but a last-start loss to the Warriors has forced an immediate reaction from Griffin Bird has not played in the halves since 2018 with Brisbane. He has been defensively sound in his five games for the Dragons this year, and his ball-playing ability will add another layer of unpredictability against the Roosters. However, it is a curious move for Bird, who is expected to slot back into the centres once halfback Ben Hunt returns from a broken leg against Wests Tigers next week. Bird's move to the halves has forced a raft of changes for the Dragons with winger Cody Ramsey moving into the centres and Adam Clune dropped back to the bench. Jordan Pereira has been moved onto the wing, while ex-Penrith second rower Billy Burns will make his first start in the run on side for Josh Kerr. Meanwhile, Roosters forward Lindsay Collins will start in the front row for Siosiua Taukeiaho, who has been ruled out of the game at the Sydney Cricket Ground with a rib injury. Hooker Sam Verrills will make his long-awaited return from an ACL injury from the bench.
No comments:
Post a Comment