Bird Sr accuses Sharks of victimising Jack
THE father of departing Cronulla star Jack Bird has launched a stunning attack on the Sharks, accusing them of victimising his son.
Mick Bird says he fears for his son’s welfare and, despite speculation the NSW centre wants to stay with the premiers, declared he “can’t wait” to join Brisbane on a four- year deal.
“The Sharks have been at him ever since he signed with the Broncos,” Mick Bird said.
“They haven’t left him alone and myself and Jack have had a gutful.”
In a fiery prelude to to- morrow night’s Sharks- Broncos clash at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane coach Wayne Ben- nett hit out at the Sharks, while Bird attempted to scupper speculation he is trying to get out of his deal.
“All I know is that I’m gonna finish off the season strongly with Cronulla and I am really looking forward to going to Brisbane next year,” said Bird – who will miss tomorrow’s clash with a shoulder injury – via a text message.
It is understood Bird, who signed a $ 3.5 million Broncos deal, is also upset at having to pay his own airfare and accommodation to attend tomorrow night’s clash.
Mick Bird insists his son will be a Bronco next season and fears the latest speculation is designed to destabilise him in his final months at Cronulla.
“It’s terrible what he has been through, my heart goes out to him,” Bird Sr said. “All this talk about him not going has unsettled him. As soon as the season is over he can’t wait to get to the Broncos.”
Bennett slammed the speculation as “scaremongering” and fired a subtle shot at the Sharks by declaring Bird would relish life in Brisbane.
“He will love this environment. There are young guys like Anthony Milford and Kodi ( Nikorima) who aren’t restricted to how they play,” he said.