Bird move blocked

Australia Test stand-off Greg Bird's controversial move to Bradford is on the verge of collapse after he was denied a visa to enter the country.

The news follows the recent rejection of visa applications by the British High Commission to fellow former NRL players Michael Crocker and Todd Carney.

Both Crocker and Carney had previous criminal convictions while Bird is due to appear in court in April to face charges of reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two charges of lying to police.

Bradford, who beat off competition from Wigan, Wakefield and Warrington to secure the signing, were confident of being able to secure a visa, claiming the player was "innocent until proven guilty".

Bird's manager Chris Orr said in a statement: "Greg Bird will have to wait until his day in court to prove his innocence and get back his life.

"He has had to endure more heartache as his application to secure a visa to take up his contract with the Bradford Bulls was denied due to facing a police charge.

"Rather than fight this decision through the appeals process, Greg has decided to have his day in court and prove his innocence before re-applying."

Bird, 24, has signed a 12-month contract with the Bulls, with an additional two-year option, after having his contract with Cronulla terminated.

The move was condemned by Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington as "a blow to the reputation of Super League".

Bradford say they will continue to support Bird with a view to him "joining them as soon as he has cleared his name".