Australian star Greg Bird has grown into mature leader who will captain PM's XIII on Sunday Australia's Greg Bird scores a try during a Test Match between Australia and New Zealand. GREG Bird was last onto a squashed team mini-bus on Saturday as hundreds of native kids swarmed after a school clinic in Kokopo, PNG. Forever the larrikin, Bird ripped off his training shirt and threw it to the rugby league-loving kids, hungry for any souvenir and memento. The locals then began slapping Bird's bare back as he scooted for the bus door, which was closing. He just made it, before breaking into laughter. Bird has always been a knock-about. Yet that same knock-about will on Sunday captain an Australian rugby league team - the PM's XIII to play PNG. Now Bird reflects on the big issues in rugby league. Greg Bird during Kangaroos training. The one-time rascal has matured. It's a nice honour. To be looked at as a captain at this level is very humbling," Bird said. I will just try and get everyone to play their best, that's all you can do as captain. I talk a little bit but it's more lead by example. That's something me and Nate Myles have tried to do on the Gold Coast. But I do like the extra bit of responsibility. Most people grow up, not just rugby league players. I am sure "Bulldog" (Sunday Telegraph reporter) you were exactly the same when you were a young fellow - getting into strife. Whether you are a plumber, electrician or footy player - you grow up and learn from your mistakes. Correct them and try to live a happy, fulfilling life. That's what where I am at the moment. I am really enjoying my time at the Gold Coast. I am set to get married in a couple of months, it's been a good journey. Greg Bird in action for the Titans. Should it be banned? It is the debate which has split rugby league. "No, I hate it (the rule)," Bird said. I was a fan of the way rugby league was a couple of years ago when it was rough and tough. The shoulder charge, some people could pull it off, others couldn't. If you hit a guy high, you got penalised, you a few weeks suspension. I thought that was a system that worked rather than outlawing it completely. Packer is set to assume Peter Holmes a Court's share in South Sydney. It is massive news for rugby league. "He comes from a family of visionaries," Bird said. I am happy that people like him with a rich history in Australian sport can get involved in rugby league. I am sure it will only be beneficial to the game. After 43 years, the drought is over. Ding dong, the witch is dead. "I thought it was good for the game," he said. They have been the best team all year and I thought Sam Burgess was probably the best player all year. He thoroughly deserves the win. I am sure it has been a good celebration for all Sydneysiders. They probably have a bigger fan following than most other clubs. I am sure there have been some happy people over the last week. Australia's Greg Bird scores a try. About eight spots are open for Tim Sheens Test side. Sunday's game between the PM's XIII and PNG will help solve some of the jigsaw. "There are a lot of players from this squad that are going to be vying for positions," he said. They have no better opportunity than to play in front of Tim Sheens. Not to mention a couple of Bulldogs and Souths players as well. It's no secret that the Australian team has been ageing over the last couple of years. But we have been winning games and I don't think without injuries these other guys would have got the opportunity. This is a chance for some fresh faces to come into the squad. Hopefully I can be one of the older ones in there with them. Greg Bird complains to the referee. Another drought was broken. This time Queensland's eight-year dominance. "That was my greatest achievement in rugby league," Bird said. I haven't had the luxury of playing a great deal of semi-final football or won a grand final. With the bunch of blokes that have been there for a few years now - and we have fallen one point short and two points short in the past few series - it was a pretty special moment in that Sydney game. Relief more than any other emotion. Greg Bird and Becky Rochow on the red carpet during the Dally M Awards. Some believe the game is now too politically correct. The old school is now dead and buried. "I think society has gone too PC mate," Bird said. Everyone wants to be politically correct and make everything as perfect and sterile as can be. It's not a perfect world, accidents happen. I just think people have to start learning to deal with them. Should 16 teams expand to an 18-team competition? "I definitely think there is a market over in WA," Bird said. I have spoken to a lot of people who love rugby league over there. They have the Pirates team going over there. I think there is a position in the game for them. Maybe a couple of years down the track. "Obviously you regret some of the errors in judgement," he said. The things that have happened legally. Like I said before, you live and learn. I wouldn't be the same person I am today if I hadn't struggled through those negative parts. Originally published as Bird has grown into mature leader