 Bird led Catalans to the Super League play-offs last season |
Catalans Dragons captain Greg Bird has rejected a new two-year contract and left France to return to Australia. Bird, who was a free agent, has signed a one-year deal to play for the Gold Coast Titans in the 2010 National Rugby League season. Last week Bird had a reckless wounding conviction quashed by a Sydney court. "I'm looking forward to my time on the Gold Coast. I'm out of Sydney and I'm away from everything that happened down there," said the 25-year-old. "They (the Titans) stood by me after what's been an awful time when they could have turned their back and taken the soft option," added the Australian, who can play stand-off or loose forward.  | Bird is still just 25 years of age and I believe his best football is in front of him Titans coach John Cartwright |
"A lot of the work the Titans put forward about the community and what they do, and about helping me deal with what I've been through, impressed me." In April Bird was convicted of recklessly wounding his girlfriend, Katie Milligan, and sentenced to serve at least eight months in jail, but the verdict was overturned on appeal and he is keen to put the past behind him. "It hasn't been the most enjoyable 15 months of my life," Bird admitted. "I admit that I handled the situation totally wrong and I'm sorry for everyone involved." It is believed his contract - cleared by the NRL - features several strict behavioural clauses. The Titans face massive financial penalties if Bird re-offends under the NRL's new rules governing players given a second chance at a new club. | 606: DEBATE |
Titans coach John Cartwright said: "He's an old school type player with the athleticism, speed and size of a modern player. "Greg has proven to be a gutsy competitor at the highest level so he will bring a real hunger to win with him to the Titans. "He is still just 25 years of age and I believe his best football is in front of him."
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