Redemption complete for reborn Titan
Greg Bird's re-emergence is complete with his call-up to the Kangaroos side. Photo: Inga Williams
GREG Bird has capped his remarkable return to the NRL with selection in the Kangaroos' squad for the Four Nations tournament starting later this month.
Given a career lifeline by the Titans last December, Bird's strong form and the Titans' consistent season earned him a place in a 24-man squad, which also includes Mudgeeraba junior and Dragons Clive Churchill Medal winner Darius Boyd.
The Darren Lockyer-led Kangaroos boast six rookies, headed by Dally M Player of the Year Todd Carney, Roosters teammate Nate Myles, Cowboys prop Matt Scott, Canberra's Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Tiger Chris Lawrence and St George star Dean Young.
Bird is the only Titans player in the squad. Skipper Scott Prince was overlooked, with selectors opting for Carney and Storm halfback Cooper Cronk while forwards Ash Harrison, Anthony Laffranchi and Mark Minichiello were unlucky omissions.
Thrilled to hear of his selection this morning, Bird was confident of cracking his way back into the 17-man Australian team for the opening game of the series against PNG on October 24.
Bird's last game for the Kangaroos came in the 2008 Centenary Test against the Kiwis, just three months before he was sacked by former club Cronulla over allegations he glassed then girlfriend Katie Milligan.
He fought the charges to clear his name and returned to representative football with Country and NSW.
Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au