Social Services Minister Scott Morrison has urged people to "calm down" over comments he made regarding Treasurer Joe Hockey.
Mr Morrison compared Mr Hockey to controversial rugby league player Greg Bird who's suspended from the game.
"He's our Greg Bird," he told 2GB radio on Monday when asked about the treasurer.
"I'll be the prop forward talking it up and he can be the one who will score the try and that's what he'll be doing on budget day."
He has since taken to Twitter to clarify his comments, stating that he meant to mention Cronulla rookie Jack Bird.
The comments came amid speculation that Mr Morrison could take over as treasurer.
During the interview, when asked whether it was right to compare the treasurer to a suspended player, Mr Morrison said: "Probably is, but anyway, not to worry, he's the guy who will be scoring the points".
Perennial bad boy Bird has been given an eight-game ban after being found guilty of a dangerous throw on New Zealand's Jason Nightingale during the Anzac Test.
Earlier, Assistant Education Minister Simon Birmingham slipped up when he told Sky News that Mr Hockey would deliver a budget "that continues to show a steady trajectory back towards deficit".
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