Sharks Release Statement In Response To Wayne Bennett's Criticism Of Jack Bird Injury

The Cronulla Sharks have responded to Wayne Bennett's claim the club mistreated Jack Bird's shoulder injury, which the star Broncos recruit had to undergo reconstructive surgery earlier this week. 

In a lengthy statement the club have categorically denied all the claims made by Bennett calling them 'misleading and false'.

"The comments made with regards to the Sharks sweeping a players injury under the carpet are misleading and false. These statements have insulted Sharks medical staff, the Club’s radiology provider and one of Australia’s leading shoulder surgeons in whom Jack consulted," the statement said.

According to the Sharks' medical staff, if Bird was to continue playing for the Sharks in 2018 based on numerous medical assessments since he first injured his shoulder in Round 22, "he would not be having reconstructive surgery."

The statement also claimed the Sharks medical staff met with their Bronco counterparts during the 2017 season to discuss Bird's medical concerns.

"During Round 23 of the 2017 NRL season, the week after Jack initially injured his shoulder, the Cronulla Sharks played the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium (Friday, August 11)," the statement said.

"When in Brisbane, Sharks medical staff discussed Jack’s scan findings, in person, with the Brisbane Broncos medical staff. They have been aware of the details of the injury since that time.

It also dismissed claims Bird's injury is anywhere near similar to Anthony Milford's. 

"Suggestions that Jack Bird’s injury is similar to that sustained by Anthony Milford are incorrect. Jack did not dislocate his shoulder.

"The statement that the Brisbane Broncos have lost time with Jack as a direct result of the medical processes carried out by the Sharks has no basis in fact.

"The Sharks view their duty of care to their players as their top priority. The players health, wellbeing and welfare are taken very seriously and any disparaging remarks will be vigorously defended."

Read the full statement here.