Bird makes Telegraph front page of shame

[King of the Hill]

By DEAN RITCHIE Rugby League Writer

April 8, 2004

CRONULLA's rising rugby league star Greg Bird was last night sensationally suspended for 10 matches by the NRL judiciary over a sickening knee to the head of an opponent.


It's the first time since the Bulldogs rape scandal broke eight weeks ago that the NRL has had a chance to impose a heavy penalty on a player who has embarrassed the game.

Bird, a former Junior Kangaroos and NSW under 17s captain, faced the panel on an ungraded striking charge after kneeing South Sydney winger Shane Marteene's head at Aussie Stadium on Saturday night.


Earlier yesterday, Bird and Marteene accidentally met at a kids coaching clinic at Telstra Stadium, Homebush. They spoke briefly and exchanged a warm handshake.


On Monday, Bird rang Marteene to apologise and also wrote to the club.


But it counted for little last night.


"He's shattered," Cronulla Sharks general manager Steve Rogers said.


Bird's barrister Jim Barnett told the panel: "I am urging you not to crucify him."


It is one of the longest rugby league suspensions in the past 10 years – and Bird was given a 25 per cent discount for his early apology and contrition.


The three-member panel – ex-first grade players Royce Ayliffe, Ian Roberts and Mark Coyne – watched three different TV angles of Bird's indiscretion before their stunning verdict.


The decision took just 10 minutes to reach.


Bird, 20, did not speak after the hearing, simply saying "sorry, mate" to a request for an interview.


He pleaded guilty after his case was referred to the judiciary rather than it being given a grading.


NRL judiciary counsel Peter Kite wanted up to nine weeks' suspension.


"This is extremely serious," Mr Kite said.


"It was a direct blow to the head with his knee. It could have caused a serious and lasting injury.


"It must be made clear it is dangerous and detrimental to the game."


Bird hung his head when judiciary chairman Greg Woods QC revealed the suspension.


"We are obviously disappointed in the eventual outcome," Rogers said.


"We are not discrediting the seriousness of the incident but are surprised by the harshness. He's been made an example of."


The Sharks are unlikely to appeal but may impose an individual fine.

The Daily Telegraph

This report was published at www.dailytelegraph.com.au

 

[shadowboxer]

Lets move on then eh

 

[SirShire]

Yeah!

Good luck Birdy!

 

[RICHO]

I can't believe that the prosecution initially asked for between 7 and 9 weeks, yet they gave him 10. Thia AFTER his suspension was reduced by 25% due to an apology and remorse.

That means they were actually going to give him 13 WEEKS. What the?!? 6 weeks more than the prosecution wanted??? What happened there?!?

 

[Macca]

At the end of the day what he did was not good for RL was it? I think this guy has plenty of ability and I reckon he will star for us one day but as Shadowboxer said it's time to move on.

 

[RICHO]

I'm not defending him. I thought he'd get 12 weeks.

What I am highlighting is the judiciary process. It's still the joke that it always has been.

 

[Macca]

Oh yeah I agree. Hopefully they stick to that standard although obviously they haven't or Morley would be out for 10 as well.

 

[RICHO]

Yeah, how is it that Morley get charged every time he plays, gets suspended every second, yet only ever misses a week?!? I don't understand!!! Do they 'forget' to add on carryover points or put the 25% loading on?!? What's the story?!?

 

[carcharias]

I think he got off lightly....Hoppa got 12 weeks and only used his finger . Bird only got ten weeks but used his whole knee.

 

[King of the Hill]

We dont have the propagandists and the liars in the media pushing our case like the Roosters do.

 

[RICHO]

You'd rather have Birdy's knee in your face than Hoppa's finger up your butt though!!! SURELY!!!!

If he had of put his knee up the arses of 5 blokes...... different story!!!!

 

[Macca]

No contest between Hoppa and Bird. Hoppa should have been banished to another country.

 

[blacktip-reefy]

Shut up mcSharkie.

Anyway, onto the real issue.
1) The Sharks presented evidence that was admitted to the committee for Marteene lifting the knee into the groin of Bird in that same tackle.
There is no ifs or buts about what he did. He lifted the knee going into the tackle & drove it into the groin of Bird. If Stevo did what marteene did he would be out for 6-8 weeks for "lifting the knees in the tackle".
Nobody denied this as a fact. Nobody will review it etc etc.
How the f**k does that work?????? Why didn't the Sharks complain to the NRL about this as a seperate incedent rather than using it as a defense. Souths are a direct competitor for us on ladder postions & we can't do them any favours.

2) When is that disgusting slime Ian Roberts going to be removed from the judiciary jury panel? you might think I call him a slime for the things I've seen him doing at night clubs, but thats not the case. I call him a slime for the vicous onfield assault he was convicted of against Gary Jack. if ever there was a hypocryte, there he is.
Sort of like an ex-peadophile becoming a judge & sitting on child abuse cases in the real legal system. In the real world Roberts would not be allowed to sit on any jury? One for you OO, I'm not sure on that.
Now, big Ian, is trying to become a moovviie star. Utilising his handsome face. I wonder which Eastern Suburbs media identities he will be smooching with to try & get starts(in movies oc course, I know he's happily partnered to Shane) or will he be Souths & manly through & through. I guess we will wait & see.

3) Coyne? Where did he pop up from. Sharks are never going to get any favours from him.

4) Royce Ayliff. Roosters through & through.

5) This panel of three ignored the prosecution & the panel & came up with their own penalty outside the framework, where is the appeal?

 

[King of the Hill]

hmm, fascinating post btr

This panel of three ignored the prosecution & the panel & came up with their own penalty outside the framework, where is the appeal?

:?

 

[DJDL]

Hang on ther Reefy. Ian Roberts belt the crap out of Garry Jack, we all know that, but it was in defence of a team-mate (not that that excuses it).

Other than that I can't recall him landing in hot water. He was actually an exemplary player from memory (though I'm sure you'll prove me wrong ;-) )

 

[coolumsharkie]

Yeah I saw that grub(Roberts) on tv too...

Couldn't believe my eyes!!

And as for Coyne? Wasn't he a mug as well?

I think they should appeal.

 

[blacktip-reefy]

Who cares if he's got more convictions than the Moran clan or only one.
He was charged suspended & also had civil charges taken out against him which I believe he was found guilty. I'm not sure, maybe they settled prior. But if he was guilty, I don'tthink he can sit on a jury in NSW. O.O.?

 

[coolumsharkie]

Why would O.O know?

Does he specialise in a certain feild?

 

[blacktip-reefy]

Yes. OO is Ben Affleck & he just starred in a movie called Runaway jury.

 

[millersnose]

nice back pedal on roberts reefy :lol: