Greg Bird says he has no case to answer over James Maloney tackle

GREG Bird says he has no case to answer over the tackle that left James Maloney semiconscious and he has a star witness, the very person who was knocked senseless.

Cronulla's James Maloney is hit by Titans Greg Bird during the Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans rugby league game at Shark Park, Cronulla. Pic Brett Costello

GREG Bird is adamant he has no case to answer over the brutal tackle that left James Maloney semiconscious and he has a star witness, the very person who was knocked senseless.

Greg Bird was in his element in the Titans’ gutsy loss to the Sharks.

He smashed Maloney after he passed the ball, the incident put on report for a shoulder charge.

An unrepentant Bird then said Maloney, who was taken from the field, had to pay the price for engaging the defensive line.

If Bird is charged his judiciary record means he could miss several weeks including the trans-Tasman Test on May 6.

Bird also had a running battle with Michael Ennis, attempting to rip his head gear off at one point.

He then thumped Ben Barba in a ferocious hit as the Sharks’ fullback fielded a high ball.

Bird loved every second of it, except the last ten minutes when the Sharks fought back to win 25-20 in Cronulla.

Referee Grant Atkins places Bird on report.

“There’s nothing in it,” Bird, who became a father four days ago, said.

“He takes the ball right to the line and every ballplayer knows if they do that they are at a risk of getting hit if they pass it.

“I don’t think I hit him high, I think it was whiplash. I’ll wait and see.”

Bird missed eight matches last year for a dangerous throw and is the fourth most suspended player in NRL history.

Maloney backed Bird’s take on the matter.

“It is what it is. I get on well with Birdy and I like the way he plays it is just a shame I was on the wrong end of it,” Maloney said.

There were several ugly incidents in the game, including Michael Ennis picking up a semiconscious Nathan Friend to suggest he was milking a penalty.

Titans coach Neil Henry wasn’t impressed, taking aim at Ennis post-match.

Cronulla's James Maloney after being hit by Titans Greg Bird. Pic Brett Costello

“He’s a menace. He pushed over David Shillington at one stage and tried to lift up our hooker when he was dazed,” Henry said.

“He cops it and gets it. I wouldn’t worry about someone trying to rip his head gear off.

“He even admits he deserve it sometimes.”

The gritty Titans were on the verge of causing a boilover, leading 18-14 in the second half and carrying all the momentum.

Then the Sharks forwards found their second win.

Cronulla’s victory was sealed when Queenslander Valentine Holmes pulled off one of the great try put downs of all time to kick the Sharks ahead to a 25-20 victory.

The Titans had two rookies halves at Shark Park and both scored tries in impressive displays.

Cameron Cullen showed he had a bright NRL future, taking it to the Sharks’ forwards despite standing just 165cm tall.

The bunker was again mired in controversy with both coaches complaining about multiple calls.

The Sharks’ initial try, to Ben Barba, appeared to have included a knock on but the bunker ruled it a try to howls of protest from north of the Tweed.

The Titans face St George Illawarra this Saturday afternoon on the Gold Coast.

Originally published as Greg Bird says he has no case to answer over James Maloney tackle