Bird may return this season

Cronulla and NSW five-eighth Greg Bird has received some good news on his injured thumb and will miss only four weeks of NRL action.

Bird had expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks but has avoided surgery after consulting a specialist and will be ready to play once a wrist cast is removed. Bird says his thumb is fractured but the bone has not been displaced.

The struggling Sharks already have first choice halves Brett Kimmorley and Adam Dykes on the sidelines, while replacement halfback Anthony Watts was charged today with contrary conduct after a brawl in Saturday's loss.