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Titans look to help Greg Bird
Jake Dew | September 21st, 2009
Greg Bird set to be hit by Petero Civoniceva during a State of Origin match in 2008. The Titans have expressed interest in the utility.
TITANS managing director Michael Searle has confirmed the Gold Coast club is willing to help disgraced NRL bad boy Greg Bird turn his life around.
Searle said the club had held discussions with Bird, after they were contacted by his manager Gavin Orr.
But he stressed if Bird was to join the club it would be under strict conditions, including an active involvement in the club's community programs.
``It would be an incentive based contract, a one-season deal not dissimilar to what the club did with Chris Walker,'' Searle told The Bulletin.
``We would want to speak with (Bird) and his girlfriend to work through their relationship subject to the court appeal outcome and he would have to be actively involved in a lot of the club's community projects.''
Bird is looking to return to the NRL next season if he can overturn a conviction for recklessly wounding girlfriend Katie Milligan.
His appeal will be heard on November 23 and 24, after he was sentenced to a minimum of eight months in jail for the August 2008 attack.
He is currently playing for French club Catalan Dragons in the UK Super League.
Acknowledging there may be some backlash for the club's stance, Searle said it was more important to help the 25-year-old his life back on track.
``I'm sure we will be condemned by some that it's the wrong message we are sending, but I think making a positive difference to anyone's life is important,'' said Searle, who along with coach John Cartwright will meet with Bird next month, when they go to the UK for the Four Nations tournament.
``It's not something that we have jumped into, these discussion have been in the air for a couple of months and while we haven't made any decision (signing him) is something we would consider.''
``We have had outstanding success in working with players who have had challenges and making a positive difference to both the player and their family's lives.''
While the acquisition of Bird's signature would bolster the playing stocks, Searle said getting his life in order was a far bigger priority including his involvement within the community.
``I would be happier if we made a positive influence on his life first and foremost and if he goes well in his football then that's good too,'' said Searle.
``When you're involved with athletes who have had challenges or challenges in their past it's important that they have a sense of community as well.''
``From our point of view that would be an important part of his commitment to the club, that he genuinely wants to make good and it shows that this is what our club is about.''
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/21/139445_gold-coast-titans.html
Jake Dew | September 21st, 2009
Greg Bird set to be hit by Petero Civoniceva during a State of Origin match in 2008. The Titans have expressed interest in the utility.
TITANS managing director Michael Searle has confirmed the Gold Coast club is willing to help disgraced NRL bad boy Greg Bird turn his life around.
Searle said the club had held discussions with Bird, after they were contacted by his manager Gavin Orr.
But he stressed if Bird was to join the club it would be under strict conditions, including an active involvement in the club's community programs.
``It would be an incentive based contract, a one-season deal not dissimilar to what the club did with Chris Walker,'' Searle told The Bulletin.
``We would want to speak with (Bird) and his girlfriend to work through their relationship subject to the court appeal outcome and he would have to be actively involved in a lot of the club's community projects.''
Bird is looking to return to the NRL next season if he can overturn a conviction for recklessly wounding girlfriend Katie Milligan.
His appeal will be heard on November 23 and 24, after he was sentenced to a minimum of eight months in jail for the August 2008 attack.
He is currently playing for French club Catalan Dragons in the UK Super League.
Acknowledging there may be some backlash for the club's stance, Searle said it was more important to help the 25-year-old his life back on track.
``I'm sure we will be condemned by some that it's the wrong message we are sending, but I think making a positive difference to anyone's life is important,'' said Searle, who along with coach John Cartwright will meet with Bird next month, when they go to the UK for the Four Nations tournament.
``It's not something that we have jumped into, these discussion have been in the air for a couple of months and while we haven't made any decision (signing him) is something we would consider.''
``We have had outstanding success in working with players who have had challenges and making a positive difference to both the player and their family's lives.''
While the acquisition of Bird's signature would bolster the playing stocks, Searle said getting his life in order was a far bigger priority including his involvement within the community.
``I would be happier if we made a positive influence on his life first and foremost and if he goes well in his football then that's good too,'' said Searle.
``When you're involved with athletes who have had challenges or challenges in their past it's important that they have a sense of community as well.''
``From our point of view that would be an important part of his commitment to the club, that he genuinely wants to make good and it shows that this is what our club is about.''
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/21/139445_gold-coast-titans.html
