NRL season 2015: Titans coach Neil Henry aims to draw a line after Greg Bird and James Roberts incidents
TRAVIS MEYN THE COURIER-MAIL
DECEMBER 11, 2014 12:00AM



GOLD Coast coach Neil Henry hopes James Roberts has turned a corner as the club decides on the future of co-captain Greg Bird.

Bird and Roberts will face the club’s disciplinary committee over separate issues on Thursday, after police withdrew charges of public nuisance and obstructing police against Roberts over an alcohol-related incident in Surfers Paradise in October.

The 21-year-old centre, who was sacked by South Sydney and Penrith over off-field incidents, could still face club-imposed sanctions.

The club’s immediate focus is Bird, who was caught urinating in public in Byron Bay on Sunday, the day after his wedding.

Bird is facing a grilling from the five-person committee and will have to convince them he is still fit to captain the Titans alongside Nate Myles.

The 30-year-old Test and NSW Origin star is also expected to be hit with a hefty fine for his actions.

Bird will take to the training paddock on Thursday for the first time this pre-season and Henry said the incident had affected the club given its widespread media coverage.

“It’s had a bit of an effect with the media coverage,” he said. “He’s due for training. He’s keen to get back amongst the boys.”

SHOULD GREG BIRD BE AXED AS THE TITANS CO-CAPTAIN
Yes 73.49% (402 votes)
No 26.51% (145 votes)

Roberts is treading a fine line given his history but Henry said he was hopeful the lightning quick centre had dealt with his behaviour.

“We know that he has had a few indiscretions so far in his career but he’s certainly made a real effort off the field and behind the scenes to get his life in order,” he said.

“This was certainly a little step backwards from what he’d been able to achieve but it’s over, he’s settled and can get on with his training.

“We can’t condone poor behaviour. That’s the bottom line.

“Some players do need support and help. We’re about providing that welfare for the players.

“It’s going to be a learning curve and it has been for him but he’s certainly come a long way since he’s been there.”

The Titans will head to Ballina for a three-day training camp next week and then have two weeks off before returning to training in the New Year.

The players have been issued holiday training programs and Henry did not feel it was necessary to warn them about their behaviour.

“It goes without saying you’re expected to behave all the time,” he said.

“They’ll have a bit of down time with family and friends but they’ll also be expected to train.

“They know the rules within our organisation. They won’t need a reminder.’’

David Hala, recently recruited from the Broncos, said the Bird controversy had not affected the players.

“Everybody’s got a job to do so we’ll leave that up to the club and Birdy to sort out,” Hala said.