I think that's the last we'll hear about him to be honest.

Even if he wins the court case, by the time the dust has settled, he'll be thinking about getting a new club sorted for the 2010 season.

If I was Hood and McNamara I'd be forgetting about him and looking to spend the cash elsewhere.

Not a surprise really is it. I think it was always likely whilst he had this court case looming over his head, and I'd expect (from the amount I know about the case) him to get off with the charges, which could hopefully mean another appeal after?

Agreed, if he's cleared of all charges I'm sure an NRL club would be falling over themselves to sign him, in all honesty where would he prefer to play ?
(I reckon Hood played the "any publicity is good publicity card pretty well"icon_wink.gif

AFAIK, they can't till 2010. If he was to be cleared in May, that would leave five months and a bit - well over the season, and the business end of it as well. Still well worth it for him and Bulls, if that was to come to pass.

well having him over as a mid-season signing wouldn't be that bad would it? someone coming in to spark us up in the run up to the business end of the season and playing in a key role?

I think that's optimistic, given that the visa process will have to be re-started, after a trial which won't finish until early May at best.

Especially when we have our usual 5 or six players out with long term injury. Another player (to add to the 7 we already have) who can cover at LF/2nd row when not playing in the halves could be imperative

It is hard to know sometimes where the sarcasm ends with you.

It was always going to happen though really wasn't it.
It might be just the boost for the side come May time though.

On what grounds was he refused?
I thought at this current time he was innocent and had no criminal record?

but even if he got here for July, I'd still welcome him to the club for 4 months.

I wouldn't count on it just look at carney's case.
The nrl were ready to ban bird until he signed the agreement with the sharks that he wouldn't seek to play for anyone down under next year.

Shame, would have been a quality addition to the Bulls and SL in general. Will have to see what happens regarding his court case now..

If he is cleared of an wrong doing then we have an exceptional mid season recruit, but for now we should concentrate and plan for a Bulls side without Greg Bird. If he comes then it'll just be a huge bonus.

But has a court case pending. I'm sure he's free to reapply once the trial has concluded.