: Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:37 am  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

In what way? It was the UK that denied him the visa. Whether or not Britain granted or ultimately grants him a visa, Australia isn't involved, is it?

The only thing stopping him playing for some other NRL club is his agreement with his current employers that he won't. If he decided to sack the idea of coming over here, thus tearing up that agreement, the NRL would have to do something they've not yet done if they were to prevent him from playing in their comp.

the tough new approach is 100% a UK thing.

Apologies - I meant the UK in Aus. (professional shorthand )

[Kosh]

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:37 am  

Paul124897 wrote: Confirmed - Bird Visa Rejected Some of us did point out that a pending case could be reason to refuse a Visa.

Paul124897 wrote: Confirmed - Bird Visa Rejected Some of us did point out that a pending case could be reason to refuse a Visa.

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:59 am  

Touche, didn't see this one coming tbh.
On the one hand i'm glad, we're meant to be a family sport and if Bird is sacked by one club for such an offense, SL clubs shouldn't be jumping in line for his signature but on the other, quality, quality player and SL will be worse off for him not being here.

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:03 am  

you did'nt see it coming??

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:04 am  

All the papers will be changing their season predictions now.

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:27 am  

roughyedspud wrote:

you did'nt see it coming??

indeed, it was fairly obvious he wouldnt get a visa.

begs the question though, was it all a PR stunt by Bradford to appease thier fans over the lack of big-name recruitment?

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 10:32 am  

saints35 bulls0 wrote:

indeed, it was fairly obvious he wouldnt get a visa.

begs the question though, was it all a PR stunt by Bradford to appease thier fans over the lack of big-name recruitment?

possibly, or a cheeky try to get a world class player over.

either way I don't think Bradford had anything to lose announcing his signing.

[Fantastic Mr Catpiss]

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:10 am  

phillgee wrote:

possibly, or a cheeky try to get a world class player over.

either way I don't think Bradford had anything to lose announcing his signing.

some respect from gary hetherington.

nah, i don't believe that either.

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:15 pm  

This is great news for SL and for England in general.

You wouldnt want him walking around anyway.

: Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:12 pm  

saints35 bulls0 wrote:

indeed, it was fairly obvious he wouldnt get a visa.

begs the question though, was it all a PR stunt by Bradford to appease thier fans over the lack of big-name recruitment?

I think there was a chance because of innocence until proven guilty and we had to see if we could get him. Could still have him come May if he is cleared.