Big-money Brisbane signing Jack Bird is still a chance of playing again this season as he begins his rehabilitation from sternum surgery.
Bird left hospital on Tuesday after going under the knife on Monday and faces at least six weeks on the sidelines.
That means he could return for the Broncos' last few rounds and a possible NRL finals campaign, although coach Wayne Bennett said last week they wouldn't look to rush him back.
Bird arrived at the Broncos from Cronulla on a deal reportedly worth $800,000 a season as the club looked to snap a 12-year premiership drought.
But he hasn't fired a shot, not sighted since round 10 after pre-season shoulder surgery was followed by some lacklustre early-season form.
Hopeful he'll have a fully fit and confident Bird next season, Bennett said they would have to "get on with life" if his recovery took longer than expected.
"It''s been a poor year by Jack's standards but none of it has been in his control," Bennett told reporters.
"We probably won't see much of him at all this year now. At least he knows now what is going on."
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