Bird will have to wait before starting his Super League career

Bradford Bulls have revealed their Australian signing Greg Bird has been refused an entry clearance visa.

The 24-year-old stand-off has been charged over an alleged assault on his girlfriend and faces a trial in Australia on 27 April.

"Bradford will support Greg throughout this period with a view of him joining them as soon as he has cleared his name," said a club statement.

Bird was due to link up with the Bulls this month after Cronulla released him.

The Bulls statement added: "Rather than fight this decision through the appeals process, Greg has decided to have his day in court and prove his innocence before reapplying."

Bird, who has two caps for the Kangaroos, has signed a one-year contract for 2009 with an option for a further two years.

His career in Australia has suffered since he was arrested for allegedly attacking his American girlfriend in August last year.

The player, who has maintained his innocence, is due in court on charges of reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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