Here ya go, like I said, The Courier Mail... Bennetts mouthpiece to the NRL isnt it?
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...s/news-story/e2c776ad3142a7e8b9f8936700836431
Wayne Bennett blasts claims Jack Bird was set to backflip on Broncos
THIS is the text message that proves Jack Bird will be at the Broncos next season.
Bird has scuppered speculation he is considering reneging on his Broncos contract as his father, Mick, detailed the victimisation that has him concerned for his son’s welfare at the Sharks.
In a fiery prelude to Friday night’s Sharks-Broncos clash at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett and the Bird family have spoken out to declare the NSW Origin ace “can’t wait” to get out of Cronulla.
Brisbane were rocked by a weekend report that Bird was about to backflip on his four-year Broncos deal to remain at the club he helped to a maiden premiership last season.
Concerned by the innuendo, Bird has contacted Bennett to provide assurances he will honour his $3.5 million Broncos deal, a sentiment he reinforced in a statement to
The Courier-Mail.
“All I know is that I’m gonna finish off the season strongly with Cronulla and I am really looking forward to going to Brisbane next year,” said Bird, who will miss Friday night’s clash with a shoulder injury.
Jack Bird has contacted Wayne Bennett to provide assurances he will honour his Broncos deal.
Bird has increasingly felt the cold shoulder at the Sharks since signing with the Broncos in May.
The decision angered Sharks skipper Paul Gallen and there has been lingering tension between the pair. It is understood Bird is also upset at having to pay for his own airfare and accommodation to attend Friday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Bird’s father Mick insists his son will be a Bronco next season and fears the latest rumour was designed to destabilise the attacking whiz in his final months at Cronulla.
“It’s terrible what he has been through, my heart goes out to him. Jack is having some troublesome times,” Bird Sr said.
Jack Bird will miss Cronulla’s clash against Brisbane with a shoulder injury. Picture: Brett Costello
“All this talk about him not going (to the Broncos) has unsettled him. He is committed and as soon as the season is over, he can’t wait to get to the Broncos.
“The Sharks have been at him ever since he signed with the Broncos, they haven’t left him alone and myself and Jack have had a gutful.
“I try to stay out of it but my main concern is the welfare of my son.
“I don’t want to say too much more. It’s Jack’s life ... but he will definitely be at the Broncos.”
LEAGUE CENTRAL PODCAST: David Riccio, Michael Carayannis and Paul Suttor discuss tenuous coaching positions, the next Immortal and if Cronulla can revive their title defence. Plus a full preview of round 23.
Bennett slammed the speculation as “scaremongering” and fired a subtle shot at the Sharks by declaring Bird would relish life at Red Hill.
“There are people out there stirring the pot for whatever reason,” Bennett said.
“I have heard the rumours about Jack, but we aren’t worried about them. Someone is trying to scaremonger but there is no doubt in my mind and there is none in Jack’s, so that’s all that matters.
“He will be coming to the Broncos.
“I see a lot of upside in Jack, he is a wonderful player and can play multiple positions. He will love being here, he will love this environment. There are young guys like Anthony Milford and Kodi (Nikorima) who aren’t restricted to how they play here.
“We want him to finish the season well at the Sharks but I’ve made it clear to Jack that we have big plans for him at the Broncos.”
Coach Wayne Bennett is looking forward to Jack Bird joining the Broncos.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan defended the club’s treatment of Bird.
“Our welfare people have done a wonderful job with Jack. Even yesterday they were with him at the doctor about his injury,” Flanagan said.
“We aren’t enticing Jack to stay. Jack has made his decision but he is young and he struggles with change.
“We can’t afford to keep Jack anyway so we wish him all the best at the Broncos.”
