GOLD Coast hardman Greg Bird is putting in overtime this pre-season to fix a problem in his game that he fears could cost him another Origin series.

Bird missed the entire 2015 interstate tournament after copping an eight-game suspension at the NRL judiciary for a grade two dangerous throw.

It was his fourth dangerous throw charge in the space of 12 months.

Bird is aware his tackling technique is costing him time on the park, and is desperate to rectify the issue quicksmart.

Round 19

He’s been working closely with Titans defensive coach Rowan Smith this pre-season to eradicate the lifting motion in his tackles.

Greg Bird (hidden) lifts New Zealand player Jason Nightingale, for which he earned an eight-game suspension. Source: News Corp Australia

“He’s right into video analysis and we’ve been going through a fair few training sessions, looking at contact points and leg drive, things like that,” Bird told foxsports.com.au.

“I think I’m on top of it, but when you’re put in that situation under fatigue you go back to what feels natural.

“I’m pretty focused on keeping over that ball and not dipping too low.

“Back 10 or 15 years ago first impact used to be through the hips and now you’ve got to aim your target a little bit higher.

“It’s going out of the game and it’s been hard for me to adjust.

“I don’t want to put any player in that position; I don’t want to put the club in a position to have one of their players suspended, and I don’t want to miss out on Origin again.”

Greg Bird training with Titans. Source: News Corp Australia

Bird was bitterly disappointed to miss last year’s Origin series, which NSW lost 2-1 to hand the shield back to Queensland.

And with a host of talented young forwards rising the Blues ranks, the 31-year-old is no guarantee to make the cut this year.

But Bird is confident he still has plenty to offer Laurie Daley.

“There’s a lot more to Origin football than youth and enthusiasm,” he said.

“There’s always a place for a bit of experience and that’s what me and Gal and Robbie (Farah), those guys who have been there a few times, can help in shaping these new guys.”