LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Jack Bird, a utility player for the Wests Tigers and one of seven recruits signed ahead of this season, is poised to leave the club earlier than anticipated.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Bird, whose contract runs until the end of 2026 at approximately $400,000 per season, has been granted permission by the Tigers to explore the market. He will be free to depart the club at season's end if he secures a new deal.
Currently, no other clubs have shown interest in signing him.
This decision to allow Bird to leave is part of the Tigers' strategy to create space on their Top 30 roster for 2026.
The Tigers have recently signed players such as Ethan Roberts (Roosters), Javon Andrews (Titans), Jock Madden (Broncos), Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights), and Mavrik Geyer (Panthers). They have also extended the contracts of key players Adam Doueihi and Starford To'a.
Bird has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the Tigers, despite having over 170 first-grade appearances across his career with the Cronulla Sharks, Brisbane Broncos, and St George Illawarra Dragons.