The utility arrived at the Broncos needing a shoulder reconstruction and was then crippled by a sternum complaint that also needed surgery.

It has limited the former Cronulla star - lured north on a four-year deal reportedly worth around $3 million - to just eight NRL games this season.

Bird is gradually increasing his training load and spent time in the halves deputising for an ill Anthony Milford on Wednesday, ahead of the side's clash with the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.

But he is unlikely to play again this season, with his sorry state leading to reports he is considering a return to the Sharks where he won a title in 2016.

Captain Boyd admitted the 23-year-old had endured a long and miserable season but said he needed to look beyond that and know there was a place for him at the club.

"I'd like to see him (stay) here, that's for sure," Boyd said.

"He's a valued member of the team, hasn't been on the field as much as we would liked but he's a quality player.

"He's won grand finals, played Origin; his career's only just starting and he's got the rugby league world at his feet."

Boyd himself has struggled with hamstring issues this season but says he is back to full fitness and regaining confidence in his own form.

After a stint at centre the captain is enjoying his time in the preferred No.1 jersey, laying on two early tries for winger Corey Oates in last round's defeat of South Sydney.

"It was good for me personally to get a bit of confidence back with the ball and know what I can do in those situations," he said.

"If I can keep performing like I did on the weekend I'm happy to stay at fullback, but if we're successful I'm happy to play wherever."

Australian Associated Press