Jack Bird believes he's capable of going from impact weapon to starting playmaker as the Blues scour the state for a half to replace the injured Adam Reynolds.

Reynolds returned to Sydney on Thursday with his arm in a sling after suffering a suspected subluxation of his right shoulder in the loss to the Maroons on Wednesday night, although the full extent of the damage won't be known until he undergoes an MRI scan. The South Sydney playmaker was hopeful of a speedy recovery but the Blues are resigned to having to find a replacement half for the final match at ANZ Stadium.

Bird was selected as NSW's super-sub and impressed when he came on with about half an hour to go. When Reynolds was forced off, he slotted in alongside fellow Shark James Maloney in the halves. Bird said he would play whatever role required by coach Laurie Daley, but said his preference was a starting spot. The Dally M rookie of the year though added that he could handle a return to pivot on league's biggest stage.

"That's up to Loz, I'm down for anything," Bird said. "I played five-eighth last year and would play five-eighth again. Obviously this is a big arena and there would be a fair bit of pressure on me but I think I can handle the pressure. If they chuck me at five-eighth, I think I'd maybe do the job.

"There are a lot of good five-eighths out there – Blake Austin played good last year, Josh Reynolds. There are a lot of good five-eighths."

The reality, however, is there are few NSW-eligible halves in the type of form that demand immediate selection. Austin and fellow Raider Aidan Sezer have been inconsistent, Josh Reynolds is far from a certainty and the Origin record of injured Rooster Mitchell Pearce is hardly an imposing one.

After the game, Gold Coast forward Greg Bird said he would be prepared to shift into the No.6 jersey, but he isn't a long-term solution. If Matt Moylan went from fullback to pivot, it would provide an opportunity for Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco to make an anticipated Origin debut.

While Maloney was full of praise for Bird following his debut, he wasn't convinced the 21-year-old should be selected out of position so early in his career.

"He's a different sort of player, I thought he did really well in that utility role," Maloney said. "It was great to see him get an opportunity and do things there. I don't know, it's a big call on the young bloke to come in like that when he's not a natural half. He's played at five-eighth but his game isn't a natural half."

Reynolds' injury also creates a headache for Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire. Cody Walker, Greg Inglis and Luke Keary are his remaining halves options for Friday's clash with Canterbury. With the club languishing in 13th spot – and facing the prospect of being three wins outside the top eight should they lose to the Panthers – the halves decision is a crucial one.