Greg Bird has a very tough decision ahead of him – try to beat his grade-three dangerous throw charge, or accept the charge and miss the first two Origin games?
If he is unsuccessful in his challenge he could miss all three State of Origin games, which would be a big blow for NSW.
The punishment is a bit harsh. The technique he used is a textbook rugby league dominant tackle. Bird’s only downfall is the other two players in the tackle got in the way of him finishing the tackle properly.
If Bird had fallen down with Bryson Goodwin it would have completed the tackle perfectly. It was actually the other two Titans players that got in the way and Bird had to drop Goodwin instead of falling down with him.
You could argue that Bird lifted the player, so he should face the punishment, however this was not a driving tackle between the legs. Yes, the tackle looked bad as the player was lifted in the air, but Bird was just doing what he has been trained to do.
If his hands were between the legs and he had to drop Goodwin because the other players got in the way then I could understand the charge. However, Bird didn’t really do anything wrong, it was just his teammates getting in the way that created the outcome of that tackle.
Accidents happen in rugby league. Players can get injured badly during a perfectly legal tackle. If a player has used the correct technique they shouldn’t be punished just because a player has been lifted. What happened to Alex McKinnon was terrible and no one wants that to happen to another player, however the NRL are overreacting here.
The technique needs to be taken into consideration when handing out the punishment. Let’s hope common sense prevails on Wednesday night and Bird’s suspension is reduced.
Rick Karaitiana
Guest
Haley I suggest you buy a new pair of spec's because from where I sit he should have got at least 4-to 6 weeks, but then I am not a Titans fan.
Dav
Guest
those defending Bird .... your all kidding? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQxIS9C5Z0w we all know that the lift is still a part of birds game and he will do it again! don't know if it was worth 6weeks off the bat, but if that is what they gave him for it then it sticks, to reduce it makes a farce of the system, it is a lift or not a lift, and if he had some defence that others are responsible then where are they sitting out games, it does not add up.
Glory Glory
Guest
Look at the result. Bellamy gave that order to his players before this season.
Glory Glory
Guest
Non-core prediction.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Bird should just do what he did to get off from the glassing of his girlfriend. Blame one of his teammates who wasn't even on the field, or failing that, have Goodwin come out to say, he did it to himself
WQ
Guest
So what have we learnt 1- the judiciary is still a farce 2- as long as you can show somebody else has done it, it's ok 3- if it's origin time you can do anything 4- if nobody gets hurt then you can ignore the danger Nice!
WQ
Guest
Ha Ha Ha, that's gold mushi!
JayBob
Guest
The issue is there have been a lot over the weekend that went unpunished. The things they look for are hands between the legs and deliberately lifting, which happened a lot over the weekend, and Bird was one case where it didn't. Was just a solid hit that knocked him on his back, not a deliberate hand between the legs style lift.
JayBob
Guest
Totally agree eagleJack, the first tackle of that game was a lot worse than the Bird tackle and if it wasn't for the other Storm player holding the Manly players head up, it would have been one of the worst we have ever seen. There was so many in that game, more from Melbourne but I think Manly retaliated a bit after there was no penalty given. But yeh countless times in a single game without a suspension and they hit Bird with a grade 3? Lucky it was downgraded but IMO should have only been grade 2 in the first place downgraded to a grade 1, so it's still harsh anyway.
Storm Boy
Guest
Coaches should direct their players not to tackle anyone. There is nowhere left on the body to legally make a hard tackle. They should just get their body in front and then chest the runner or just get in their way. They should 'tackle' like AFL players have to do now the bump is dead.
Glory Glory
Guest
He got off that, too! Tefflon, Greg.
turbodewd
Guest
Just dont let Greg Bird near a glass during the judiciary hearing, please!
Tiger
Guest
Why is it an overreaction, because Goodwyn didn't get injured? Because the tackle (in some people's eyes) looked worst than it really was? Because other similar incidents that looked worst received a lesser grade or in some cases went unpunished? The system isnt perfect, people arn't perfect but rules are rules and Bird deserved to be sited and hopefully reprimanded for his actions accordingly. I also agree with others, the NRL really needs to sort out the siting system, how it's applied with clear explanations. For now it is what it is and player welfare is of the upmost importance. I would have thought after the McKinnon incident every person involved with the NRL from players to administrators to fans etc would have gotten behind this NRL initiative on lifting tackles regardless of ones personal views. If Goodwyn suffered some sort of injury (thank goodness he didn't) this article would have taken a total different track. Let's see what the outcome will be. I suspect because its origin time Bird will get a slap on hand ala Pierce.
Tony
Guest
Love it!
mushi
Guest
I thought people that slept with bird ended up one eyed anyway?
Glory Glory
Guest
Forget about it. He'll get off. Already pencilled in for Origin 1.
AlanKC
Guest
It was a dangerous tackle - After the McKinnon incident I think we'll see the judiciary punish the act regardless of the severity of the outcome which is what is needed to take dangerous play out of the game.
jameswm
Roar Guru
He lifted the guy past the horizontal. Why does it matter where his hand was?
jameswm
Roar Guru
He lifted past the horizontal. He gets punished.
rvm99
Guest
Cameron Smith pleaded Guilty to a Grade 1 Dangerous Contact - Forearm charge but will still be available for selection for QLD barring any misdemeanors this weekend. The same applies to Billy Smith who pleaded guilty to a Grade 1 High Tackle – Careless charge. You can check the results here on the NRL’ Judiciary page http://www.nrl.com/News/Judiciary/tabid/10246/default.aspx. I am assuming that jay Bobs’ comment As to Mitchell Pearce being cleared to play for NSW was tongue in cheek as I suspect you would find that the majority of QLD fans breathed a sigh of relief whilst south of the border there was a collective groan from NSW supporters when that was announced.