Bird's Bradford blast blocked by Brits

Former Cronulla Sharks utility Greg Bird has been denied a British work visa effectively blocking his entry into England to play for the Bradford Bulls.

Bird was reportedly set to debut against Hull KR on Sunday.

The British High Commission has also recently denied visas to Hull FC's Michael Crocker and Huddersfield's Todd Carney, both former NRL players with previous convictions.

Bird was stood down in August 2008 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend Katie Milligan. He is scheduled to make a court appearance on April 27 on charges of reckless wounding, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two charges of lying to police.

After being released by the Sharks in January, the former Kangaroo signed a one-year contract for 2009 with the Bulls, with an option for a further two years.

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

The Sharks board tried to sack Bird last December but were stalled by a late submission from the player's legal representatives.

The ongoing saga proved costly for the cash-strapped Sharks, with Bird on $360,000 per year and still receiving payment whilst suspended. The club has reportedly paid out more than $100,000 since Bird was stood down.