NSW coach Laurie Daley has reminded his players he won’t hesitate to overlook those involved in poor off-field behaviour – regardless of reputations.
With back-row lynchpin Greg Bird facing drug supply and possession charges, Daley could be without one of his key players for this year’s State of Origin series.
Bird, who is one of four current Titans players charged, was stood down by the club indefinitely after his arrest last month.
The 30-year-old appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty, with a committal hearing to take place on May 8.
Unless he changes his plea, there’s unlikely to a resolution before Daley picks his side for game one on May 19.
Bird, Dave Taylor, Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling weren’t selected by the Titans for Saturday’s clash with Penrith in Bathurst on Monday as the club continue their discussions with the NRL about their availability.
Gold Coast coach Neil Henry has stated he’s keen to have the players back while they fight the allegations against them, but it will be the code’s integrity unit who will have the ultimate say.
Daley showed his zero tolerance stand last year when incumbent Mitchell Pearce was overlooked for Origin after being issued with an infringement notice by police for failing to leave a King’s Cross bar.
He said he was unsure of what the exact situation was with Bird but reiterated his promise to take a hard line against those who misbehave.
“He’s been a big part of our team and I am sure he would like to be again,” Daley said.
“It’s up in the air at the moment so we don’t know where we stand. But we all know what our values are playing for NSW. We are non-negotiable on that.
“If people have done the wrong thing then they won’t be part of the NSW team.”
Bird missed Origin two last year due to suspension but such is his value around the squad that Daley invited him into camp at Coffs Harbour before the game in Sydney.
However, he knows his hands could be tied if the NRL rule he’s ineligible for selection.
“He’s a great player and a great man and he has some issues at the moment that he is coping with,” he said.
“It would be inappropriate of me to say anything other than say the process has to run it’s course. It’s up to the NRL and whatever decision they make.”
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