Nothing sums up NSW's mish-mash approach to State of Origin in recent years than the plight that has befallen Greg Bird.

Preparing for his sixth Origin appearance spread out over five years, Bird will run out with a fourth different number on his back.

While it is a credit to the Gold Coast back-rower's versatility that he's been able to play off the bench, at five-eighth, lock and now in the second row for NSW - it also highlights how muddled the Blues' thinking has been in recent years.

Bird won the man-of-the-match award when he made his first two starting appearances at five-eighth in winning NSW sides in 2007-08, but his stint at pivot lasted just one more game - which NSW lost 30-0.

He returned for the final game of last year's series at lock, where he again showed he belonged in the Origin arena.

But for what it's worth, Bird said he was happy to be in the side no matter what the position.

"It does change a little bit," Bird said of his role in the second row rather than five-eighth.

"My game is more running than passing so that's changes.

"But the way I play football is the way I play football ... I'd probably run just as much if I had the six on my back."

While Bird may have excelled as a five-eighth for NSW, it almost seems he belongs as a member of NSW's pack, where he can let his aggressive style come to he fore.

And being back on a stage on which he has previously shined, Bird's blood is definitely pumping.

"I love playing with the superstars of the game," Bird said.

"It lifts you and makes you want to play better. You don't want to let these guys down.

"It is a tough pack. I'm really excited to be a part of it and see how we go.

"I will just bring to the game (the way) I usually play ... physical with a bit aggression and try and give Locky (Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer) as many headaches as I can."

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