Greg Romance Bird has been nominated for The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame following his years of devotion to preserving the reputation of Rugby League and its players in Australia.
Bird received the nomination from the Byron Bay local area police for his efforts in promoting respect for the law among young Australians.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. The first medal was awarded to Sydney Roosters and New Zealand representative Shaun Kenny-Dowall in 2015.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours former players who receive media attention for similarly scandalous behaviour and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Todd Carney.
Such was Bird’s devotion to the law, that he staged a very public demonstration the day after his own wedding.
“This was a true act of commitment…,” said a spokesperson for Byron Bay Police, “… a commitment to the promotion of the work of the police, and a very romantic and touching commitment to his bride, just a day after tying the knot.”
Bird took time out from his busy schedule to receive the award. He is currently in camp with the NSW State of Origin team in Coffs Harbour, as well as establishing his own business in preparation for his post football life.
Sources close to Bird say he is close to opening a car wash business called Birdie Wash in Byron Bay, which will appeal to the local demographic by using all natural, chemical free liquids.
First published May 2016.
Image: Nuna
The Frownlow Medal 