The match between the Blues and the Bushrangers begins today and one face in the crowd will be University left-arm quick Luke Bird, who is Aaron's younger brother.

The Bird boys grew up in Taree but Aaron, 26, moved to Sydney when he was a teenager.

Luke, 24, waited until three years ago to head south to Newcastle.

He had a season at Cardiff-Boolaroo before joining University, where he made an immediate impression, and was added to the Newcastle representative squad this year.

"We played together a fair bit when we were kids, because I used to play up an age group, so we were in the same team," Luke said yesterday.

"I think the last time we played together was at school.

"It's good he's playing here in Newcastle and I'll be here every day watching him."

Luke said they enjoyed many backyard matches at the family home in Taree and sister Marley, 22, was a "pretty handy bowler for a girl".

Aaron is on the comeback trail after being suspended towards the end of last season when he was judged to have had an illegal action.

He was reported by umpires after one-day matches against Queensland and South Australia in October last year as well as the Twenty20 final against Victoria in January.

Aaron was tested under Cricket Australia's doubtful action procedures, and results found some of his deliveries were illegal.

He was suspended for 90 days until his remodelled action complied with Cricket Australia criteria that restrict bowlers to an elbow extension of no more than 15 degrees for every delivery.

Aaron Bird showed enough to warrant another state contract and he has rewarded the faith the Blues showed in him by fighting his way back into the side.

He played his first Shield game of the season against Queensland last week and should be in the starting XI for today's game.