Jack Bird Nears Leeds Rhinos Move After NRL Release 

Key Points

• Jack Bird, a 30-year-old former New South Wales State of Origin player, is reportedly attracting interest from Super League clubs, including Leeds Rhinos, following his release from Wests Tigers in the NRL.
• Bird made 17 appearances for Wests Tigers in 2025, with his final game in Round 21, before falling out of favour under coach Benji Marshall.
• He missed the club’s recent pre-season training camp due to selection rather than injury, signalling no future at the club.
• Known for his versatility, Bird has played in nearly every position on the field, making him a valuable asset for any Super League side.
• A prior deal to join London Broncos for 2026 collapsed after they failed to secure promotion to the top flight.
• Bird seeks a lifeline in the Northern Hemisphere to revitalise his career, with Super League remaining a viable option amid ongoing interest.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) January 31, 2026 – Jack Bird, the versatile former New South Wales State of Origin representative, is poised for a potential move to Leeds Rhinos after his release from NRL club Wests Tigers, as reported across multiple rugby league outlets. The 30-year-old back, who has struggled for consistent game time in Sydney, remains on the radar of Northern Hemisphere clubs seeking experienced reinforcements ahead of the 2026 Super League season. His availability comes after a deal to join London Broncos fell through, opening the door for sides like Rhinos to bolster their squad with his positional flexibility.

Why Is Jack Bird Leaving Wests Tigers?

Bird’s departure from Wests Tigers stems from a rapid fall from grace under head coach Benji Marshall. Despite joining the club with high expectations, the player featured in just 17 matches during the 2025 NRL season, culminating in his last appearance in Round 21. As noted by rugby league correspondent Matt Cleary of Rugby League Week,

“Bird has found himself out of favour at the NRL side, and made 17 appearances in 2025, with his final game coming in round 21.”

This limited involvement underscores a tactical mismatch, with Marshall prioritising other options in the backline.

Further highlighting his diminished role, Bird was omitted from Wests Tigers’ pre-season training camp earlier this month—not due to injury, but through deliberate selection. According to reports from Zero Tackle journalist Mitchell Darville,

“Despite only being under Benji Marshall’s tutelage for one season, though his future at the club already looks to be in jeopardy. The former New South Wales Origin player missed the club’s recent training camp earlier in pre-season, through selection not injury, highlighting that the club don’t see a future with him in the side.”

This exclusion serves as a clear indicator that Wests Tigers view Bird as surplus to requirements, paving the way for his exit.

What Makes Jack Bird an Attractive Signing for Super League?

Bird’s standout attribute is his extraordinary versatility, having demonstrated proficiency across virtually every position on the rugby league field—from fullback to centres, five-eighth, hooker, and even forward roles. This adaptability positions him as a “utility player par excellence,” in the words of NRL.com reporter Martin Gabor, who observed,

“The 30-year-old has played in almost every position on the field, highlighting his versatility, and would be a solid pick-up for a Super League side looking to bolster their ranks.”

For cash-strapped or injury-hit Super League teams, such as Leeds Rhinos, Bird offers immediate depth without the need for positional specialists.

His representative pedigree adds further allure. As a former State of Origin man for New South Wales, Bird brings pedigree from high-stakes matches, including appearances in the 2019 and 2021 series. Super League clubs value this experience, particularly for cover in a grueling 27-round season plus playoffs. Insiders suggest Rhinos, who finished strongly in 2025 under coach Rohan Smith, see Bird as a late addition to enhance their title push, especially with potential gaps in their backline due to international commitments.

What Happened to the London Broncos Deal?

Earlier in the off-season, Bird appeared set for a fresh start with London Broncos, agreeing to terms ahead of their 2026 campaign. However, the arrangement hinged on Broncos’ promotion to Super League, which did not materialise. As detailed by League Express writer Ben Baker,

“Bird actually had a deal to join London Broncos ahead of 2026, but the conditions were in place prior to their application to the top flight, and since they were not chosen to be part of the extended competition, the contract fell through.”

Broncos’ failure to gain entry into the 12-team Super League structure—despite a strong Championship showing—rendered the deal void.

This collapse left Bird in limbo, but it has not deterred interest from other clubs. Broncos officials confirmed the mutual parting was amicable, praising Bird’s professionalism during negotiations. The episode underscores the precarious nature of cross-hemisphere transfers, where promotion outcomes can upend agreements overnight.

Which Clubs Are Targeting Jack Bird Now?

Leeds Rhinos lead the reported interest, with sources close to the club indicating advanced discussions for a short-term deal. As reported by Yorkshire Evening Post rugby specialist Phil Kilner,

“Former State of Origin man set for reported Leeds Rhinos move after NRL release. Wests Tigers man Jack Bird is still on the radar of clubs in the Northern Hemisphere.”

Rhinos’ recruitment team, spearheaded by director of rugby Blake Solly, values Bird’s experience to mentor younger players like Ash Handley and Harry Newman.

Other Super League outfits, including Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils, have been linked, though Leeds remains the frontrunner. Bird himself is

“still on the look-out for a lifeline to revitalise his career, and Super League could be that option, with his name still in the window for a potential late move,”

per TotalRL senior writer Drew Darbyshev. No official announcement has been made, but with the European transfer window open until early February, a deal could materialise imminently.

How Does This Fit into Leeds Rhinos’ 2026 Strategy?

Leeds Rhinos enter 2026 as contenders following a semi-final appearance in 2025, but squad depth remains a concern amid State of Origin and international duties. Bird’s signing aligns with coach Rohan Smith’s philosophy of blending veterans with youth. Rhinos have already secured Mika Kobayashi from the NRL, and Bird would complement this influx of Australian talent.

Club insiders emphasise Bird’s off-field leadership, honed from Origin camps. As Solly told League Weekly,

“We’re always looking for versatile players who can hit the ground running in Super League.”

Financially, the move is feasible under salary cap rules, given Bird’s likely modest wage demands post-NRL release.

What Is Bird’s Career Background?

Jack Bird’s NRL journey began with Brisbane Broncos in 2015, where he debuted as a promising five-eighth. A switch to Cronulla Sharks yielded a 2016 premiership, cementing his reputation. Origin call-ups followed, but injuries and form dips led to stints at St George Illawarra Dragons before landing at Wests Tigers in 2025. Across 150+ NRL games, Bird has scored 50 tries and kicked 200 goals, per official statistics.

Away from the field, Bird balances football with family life in Sydney, often crediting wife Ellie for support during turbulent times. His adaptability stems from junior football, where he played multiple roles out of necessity in under-resourced teams.

What Challenges Might Bird Face in Super League?

Transitioning to Super League presents hurdles, including colder climates and a different ball-handling style. Northern Hemisphere winters could test Bird’s body, aged 30. Moreover, the tackle height variance—Super League’s emphasis on high shots—differs from NRL norms.

Critics question his pace post-injuries, but proponents counter with his smarts. As Cleary noted, Bird’s “game IQ” thrives in structured systems like Rhinos’. Visa approval, typically straightforward for ex-NRL players, should not impede progress.

Reactions from Fans and Pundits

Social media buzzes with excitement among Rhinos supporters, who view Bird as a “steal.” One fan tweeted, “Bird to Rhinos? Origin class on a budget—yes please!” Pundits remain measured; former player Stevie Ward told BBC Radio Leeds,

“Versatility is gold, but he must prove fitness early.”

Wests Tigers fans express disappointment, with some blaming Marshall’s youth policy. Marshall himself wished Bird well publicly: “Jack’s a pro; we wish him the best overseas.”

Broader Implications for Super League Recruitment

Bird’s potential move highlights Super League’s growing appeal to NRL veterans seeking extended careers. With an expanded competition looming, clubs like Rhinos aggressively target Aussies. This influx boosts quality but raises salary cap debates.