The Blues coach holds the Panthers skipper in high regard and told him he would be next in line Starting spot a feather in his cap: Jack Bird. Credit:James Brickwood to join the squad if there was a withdrawal. "Matty didn't deserve to be dropped. It was only because someone was playing a lot better," Daley said. "The opportunity came up with Renno being injured that we could put him in that utility role and see how he handles it. It's exciting for us because he's an Origin player and we've found a way through injury to give him a run and we'll see how he goes in that role." Bird will be the youngest five-eighth since Anasta played in the halves in game two of the 2002 series at the age of 20. The Cronulla centre was asked to slot into the halves when Reynolds left the field in game two and made a strong case for reinstatement with his performance in the final minutes of the match at Suncorp Stadium.

Bird played the majority of last season, expressed a desire in the pre-season to play fullback, has represented Country twice at halfback but has been in the centres for Cronulla this year. Ruled out: Adam Reynolds was ruled out with injury. Credit:James Brickwood "He is a funny one Birdy," Daley said. "I think if you said he was playing hooker he would say yeah right no worries. Nothing fazes him, put it that way ... At least these guys have been in the system this year so it'll be easy for them to slot in. "If it was game one and just starting out on Wednesday we might have rolled a different way but this is what we want to do. We'll see how it all pans out." Moylan is likely to start the game on the bench but Daley admits he will get his chance in the halves despite not having played an NRL game in that position. "I wouldn't be scared to use him at six," Daley said.