Bird gone for the year

In a crushing blow to the Sharks, utility Greg Bird will miss the rest of the season with ligament damage to his foot. Scans yesterday confirmed that Bird had stripped the ligaments off the bone in Friday night's hard fought 16-10 win over the Sydney Roosters.

Club officials described the injury as similar to one which has kept Bulldogs forward Willie Mason off the field so far this season. Mason had pins inserted in his foot, although it is not yet clear if Bird will require a similar operation.