Gold Coast coach Neil Henry believes Greg Bird will be refreshed and ready to make his NRL return next month.

Bird’s eight-game suspension for a grade-two dangerous throw comes to an end after the Titans’ round 18 clash with Manly on July 13, meaning he can return to action for the following week’s road trip to Newcastle.

Henry says the 31-year-old has kept himself in good shape during his enforced break and also used the time to sort out an ongoing foot complaint, and he’s hopeful Bird will play a key role for the Titans in the back end of the season.