I love club, Bird tells Cronulla
GREG BIRD has broken his silence on his playing future as Cronulla officials prepare to decide his fate, declaring: "I love the club."
Bird's career in the NRL is likely to be decided this week when he is summoned to address the Sharks board. The Australian star has been stood down from playing or training since August after being charged with the alleged assault of his girlfriend, Katie Milligan.
The 24-year-old was initially charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm but that was downgraded to reckless wounding. He also faces charges of public mischief and making false accusations.
Bird has been ordered to attend a three-day court hearing beginning on April 27 but the Sharks want the matter finalised as soon as possible and are likely to call a board meeting to resolve the matter this week.
While Bird could command top dollar in the English Super League if he was forced out of the NRL, he said his top priority was to stay in the Sutherland Shire.
"I love the club," Bird told The Sun-Herald. "I wouldn't have signed a five-year deal if I didn't plan on staying for the entirety of it."
The Sun-Herald understands the Sharks board is split on the matter. While some members have a definite stance on the issue, it's believed others could be swayed depending on a recommendation from coach Ricky Stuart, who is close to Bird.
Bird said he would accept whatever decision was handed down.
"It's up to them," he said.
"I've got to face their decision and take it from there."
Bird's manager, Gavin Orr, said the ball was in the Sharks' court.
"Everything has been set out there and it's a matter of us now catching up [with the club]," he said.
The Sharks have lurched from one crisis to another recently. Following the Bird affair, there have been reports about the club's parlous financial state, assault allegations against chief executive Tony Zappia and the Stuart dramas at national level.
The Sharks have already been linked with Tim Smith, a sign they might be making contingency plans should Bird be sacked. But the former Parramatta halfback confirmed he was committed to seeing out his contract with Wigan.
Wigan coach Brian Noble was confident Smith would take his place with the Warriors next year.
"He certainly hasn't asked for a release," he said. "I've spoken to him four times since I've been [in Australia] and I'm confident he'll be with us."
