22 Feb 2009

Fallen League star to play club rugby

8:41 am on 22 February 2009

The fallen National Rugby League star Greg Bird will play Shute Shield rugby this season after his attempt to play for New South Wales Cup side the Newtown Jets was scuppered by the NRL.

Bird, who will face court later this year to face charges including grievous bodily harm against his 24-year-old American girlfriend Katie Milligan, has been in limbo after he was denied a work visa in the UK to play for Super League club Bradford.

Souths rugby manager Max Currie says it's not about Bird signing to play with Southern Districts, it's about a young bloke who is going through a pretty difficult time having the opportunity to have a bit of fun with a few of his mates.

NRL boss David Gallop has no problems with Bird playing club rugby.

He says Bird's facing serious criminal charges but playing some sport will keep him occupied and could be good for him.