http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bird-closer-to-uk/2009/02/10/1234028040418.html
Bird closer to UK
Brad Walter | February 11, 2009
GREG Bird is expected to be given the green light to join British club Bradford within days and may even make his Super League debut this weekend.
Bird, who negotiated a release from Cronulla after being stood down late last season until the outcome of charges against him relating to an alleged assault of his girlfriend Katie Milligan are known, is still awaiting a visa and work permit.
But the UK Border Agency has reportedly made a decision on his application and Bradford officials are confident that Bird won't suffer the same fate as former Test forward Michael Crocker and sacked Canberra halfback Todd Carney, who were refused visas because of criminal convictions.
Bird, who has told the court he will return to Sydney for the hearing of his case on April 27, intends to defend the charges.
"We're expecting to hear a decision early this week," Bradford chairman Peter Hood told reporters in England. "If that does come through and he gets the visa, he could be here a few days later.
"We'll just have to wait to hear what the outcome is and I know he has a couple of things to sort domestically but hopefully he should be on a flight pretty swiftly if all goes according to plan."
It is understood the Bulls hope Bird will be present at Sunday's match against Hull KR so they can at least unveil him to the crowd at Odsal.
Having been given a training program and plays to study by Bradford coach Steve McNamara, there is even a chance Bird will play in the club's first premiership match of the season after last weekend's clash with Harlequins was postponed because the pitch at The Stoop in London was frozen.
Bird's manager Chris Orr said last night they were still awaiting to be hear the outcome of Bird's application but anticipated he would be granted a visa and work permit.
