Brisbane Broncos have been dealt a major blow heading into their NRL season opener after star Jack Bird tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Bird suffered a non-contact injury to his left knee during training on Wednesday – the Broncos centre's season over before it began ahead of Friday's round-one clash against North Queensland Cowboys.

An NRL champion with Cronulla Sharks in 2016 before joining the Broncos in 2018, Bird is facing surgery and is set to miss the entire season.

Bird's time in Brisbane has been ravaged by injuries after shoulder and sternum problems ended his debut year with the Broncos before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2019.

"Rugby league is a cruel game sometimes," said Broncos head coach Anthony Seibold. "Jack's commitment to his rehabilitation has been unwavering in his return from his last knee injury.

"He has had a tremendous pre-season and ticked all the boxes required for a great start to the year.

"He had trialled really well in the full-back position and was excited to be playing in the first game of the season.

"All of his team-mates and the staff at the Broncos are devastated at the timing and nature of the injury.

"The club will do our best to help Jack in his recovery and personal wellbeing and provide him with everything he needs."

Since swapping the Sharks for the Broncos, Bird has only made 17 NRL appearances across two seasons, scoring two tries and tallying three assists.