Bird to appeal

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The 25-year-old Australian Test player was found guilty in a Sydney court of one count of reckless wounding and one count of making a false accusation to police after he attempted to pin blame on his flatmate.

Bird had denied "glassing" American girlfriend Katie Milligan following an argument at their Cronulla apartment in August but admitted a public mischief offence.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell said it was evident Bird was lying to cover his "guilty mind".

Police had alleged that Bird, who missed the Catalans' defeat at Hull KR on Sunday after flying back for the trial, attempted to deceive them when he claimed a flatmate was responsible for his girlfriend's injuries.

Bird is due to be sentenced on June 22 but, according to Catalans general manager Christophe Levy, will seek to have the guilty verdict overturned.

"I have just talked to his manager Chris Orr and he is going to appeal the decision," said Levy.

The charges against Bird cost him his lucrative contract with Cronulla Sharks, while a proposed move to Bradford fell through when he was denied a British visa. He was eventually picked up by the Catalans and was appointed captain after just two substitute appearances.

Levy said the club were trying to get their captain on a flight back to France in time to check out his fitness ahead of Sunday's match against champions Leeds Rhinos, which is part of the Magic Weekend in Edinburgh. Bird is a serious doubt after damaging an abductor muscle during his side's 38-6 win over Salford 10 days ago.

"We will do our best to get him back as soon as possible," said Levy. "We are still searching for flights. We want our doctor and physio to check him out."