A fuming Jack Bird has taken aim at a veteran rugby league reporter amid reports he wants out of the struggling club.
Nine’s Danny Weidler revealed on Monday he had heard rumours Bird had been ringing rival clubs looking for a new home.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Tigers win two on the trot vs Dragons | 02:43
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: Roosters’ prodigal son’s return with ‘embarrassing’ Suaalii on the outer
‘EASILY AFFORD’: Rugby’s NRL raid could explode as chief eyes Robbo and Rooster
DRAGONS: Twist in Red V coach hunt as Bellamy’s storm call sees frontrunner emerge
“Jack somehow got wind of me chasing that story and rang me today, got on the front foot and said he is going to be a Dragon, he’s staying at the Dragons,” Weidler said on 100% Footy.
“There’s definitely been something going on, but Jack wants it made clear he is staying with the Dragons.”
Bird was asked about the report on Wednesday and wass furious Weidler still went to air with the speculation despite their conversation.
“I’ve only just re-signed last year. It’s frustrating (losing) but I’m happy (at the Dragons). It’s hard to lose games but it is what it is,” Bird said.
“You’ve got to let the journalists do what they want to do, let them make stories up and run with it. You’ve got no control over those things.
“Like Danny (Weidler) said, I rang him when I heard about it and tried cooling the air and telling him not to do it. But he still goes ahead and does it.
“There’s no truth to it so if he wants to go and say that stuff, I can’t help it. He’s got the control over it.”
Dragons Press Conference | 04:44
Bird was then asked if he would consider leaving the Dragons if another opportunity arose.
“My future is here at the club. I’ve got another two years here and am willing to turn things around here. That’s what I want to do,” he said.
“I want to start winning games and that’s going to be here.
“I spoke to Danny and tried to get on the front foot with it all but he still reported it.”
Bird wasn’t done there.
He then turned his attention on angry fans who have started a petition for Anthony Griffin to be sacked.
The Daily Telegraph reports that a disgruntled group of Dragons supporters are planning a protest at next Friday’s clash with the Roosters.
Hook on thin ice after 5th straight loss | 01:02
The move is being driven by fanatic George Youssif who called for fans to bring banners to the match to display their anger with the club.
Bird was asked about the protest and calls for Griffin to be sacked and said he felt sorry for his coach.
“Fans don’t really know too much about footy, I don’t think,” he told reporters.
“They’ve got a lot to say about people on the field. I don’t think they’ve ever played a game of footy.
“I’m speaking from first-hand stuff that I’ve copped.
“I feel sorry for ‘Hook’ (Griffin). It’s us out there playing so we should be the ones to blame.
“Fans are good for the game and stuff like that, but it comes to a point where you can’t cop so much criticism over the players and coaching staff.
Bird said the public did not know what people were going through behind the scenes.
“Hook could be struggling or any player could be struggling outside of footy then people come on social media and give you a gobful.
“That might be the part where they push you over the edge.
“That’s fans for you. They’re passionate and want us to win games.“We’re not doing that, so I understand where they’re coming from. But it speaks for itself.”
