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Posted: 2014-12-08 13:00:00
Greg Bird addresses the media after being fined for urinating near a police car. Pic: Dav

Greg Bird addresses the media after being fined for urinating near a police car. Pic: David Clark Source: News Corp Australia

THE Titans are under pressure to dump Greg Bird as co-captain as the Test enforcer prepares to front a disciplinary hearing following his latest brush with the law.

The NRL integrity unit is awaiting a full report from the Titans after Bird allegedly urinated on a fully-marked police car while celebrating his honeymoon in Byron Bay on Sunday night.

BIRD: ‘IT’S PUT A DAMPENER ON THE WEDDING

An embarrassed Bird on Monday issued a public apology for his antics but denied allegations he urinated on the police vehicle, claiming he “went to the toilet” in a space between two cars.

But the incident comes at the worst possible time for the Titans, who remain on the lookout for a major sponsor in 2015 after iSelect rescinded the final two years of its deal in August.

Titans CEO Graham Annesley has left no stone unturned to galvanise their financial position, even heading offshore four months ago to spruik the club’s brand to a Chinese multinational company.

Subtitles on a police radio call broadcast by Channel Nine.

Subtitles on a police radio call broadcast by Channel Nine. Source: Supplied

With that in mind, Titans hierarchy may deem Bird is not the posterboy to lead the club’s planned revival when he faces an internal disciplinary hearing later this week.

Annesley refused to speculate on possible sanctions on Monday night but under the NRL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the club has the power to fine Bird and axe him as co-captain.

“Obviously this is very embarrassing from the club’s perspective — it’s unacceptable,” Annesley said.

“The (playing) contract provides for a whole range of penalties when they breach the code of conduct.

“We have the option to consider anything that is appropriate under the terms of contract. I don’t want to forecast what might happen, Greg will have the opportunity to make any further statements and then we’ll make a recommendation to the NRL.

“Greg has clarified what took place and that will be taken into consideration before we make a decision.”

Greg Bird dancing with his bride Becky Rochow. Photo: Instagram account: @birdman_013

Greg Bird dancing with his bride Becky Rochow. Photo: Instagram account: @birdman_013 Source: News Corp Australia

Asked if it was a bad look for the club at a time when the Titans are crying out for sponsors, Annesley was unequivocal.

“Absolutely,” he said.

“When these incidents take place, they are very unhelpful, there’s no doubt about that.

“It’s embarrassing for the club and it makes our life much more difficult. Greg has apologised for the inconvenience and trouble he has caused the club.

“We now have to determine what penalty might be appropriate.”

Last month, new Titans coach Neil Henry said he may review the co-captaincy system shared by Bird and Nate Myles.

In 2009, Bird narrowly avoided jail time, acquitted on appeal after initially being convicted of glassing his then partner Katie Milligan.

Greg Bird and Titans CEO Graham Annesley address the media on Monday. Pic: David Clark

Greg Bird and Titans CEO Graham Annesley address the media on Monday. Pic: David Clark Source: News Corp Australia

Bird, who married fiancee Becky Rochow on Saturday night at Byron Bay, spoke of his regret on Monday.

“I stupidly and regretfully went to the toilet in between the two cars between the space ... facing away from my family,” he said.

“I want to apologise to the club and the fans and anyone I offended, especially to my wife Becky, it’s put a dampener on our wedding weekend and I’m incredibly embarrassed.”

Originally published as Birdbrain act threatens captaincy
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