June 23, 2008

GREG Bird is almost certain to miss State of Origin III with scans confirming the Cronulla utility had suffered a ruptured posterior capsule in his left knee.

The injury is expected to sideline Bird for between 2-3 weeks, leaving him next to no chance of being selected in the New South Wales side for the Origin decider on July 2.

Scans also revealed Bird had suffered bone bruising around the knee after coming down awkwardly in the first half of Sunday's dramatic 16-14 win over Parramatta.

Both the anterior and posterior ligaments were intact.

Meanwhile Bird's Cronulla teammate Brett Kimmorley was cleared of any fractures following scans on his left eye socket and cheekbone.

Kimmorley came off second best when collected high and late by Eels prop Fuifui Moimoi in the final minute on Sunday.

The veteran half-back is expected to be fit to play in Monday night's match against Canberra.

Moimoi was charged with a grade one contrary conduct charge as a result of the hit and faces a one-match stint on the sidelines.