Catalans Dragons are lining up Chris Walker as a possible replacement for Greg Bird.
Catalans search for Bird replacement in the form of Titans flyer
Catalans Dragons are lining up Chris Walker as a possible replacement for captain Greg Bird, who has
left the club to join the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.
Walker is currently in dispute with Bradford after the winger claimed to have signed for the Bulls before fellow Australian Matt Orford took the final overseas spot. He has enlisted the support of the Professional Players' Association to fight his case.
Dragons coach Kevin Walters, who anticipated the departure of Bird, believes Walker, currently contracted with the Titans, would be a great acquisition to the club if they were able to secure his signature.
Walters said: "We had preliminary discussions with Chris Walker over the weekend but he needs to sort out his dramas with Bradford.
"If we can get someone of his quality, I'll be happy. His name came up halfway through the season but we didn't pursue it when we heard he had signed for Bradford."
Captaincy
Following the exit of Bird, the Dragons are likely to give the armband to either veteran forward Jerome Guisset or new France skipper Olivier Elima.
"Greg did a fantastic job but, as one door closes, another one opens," added Walter.
"Jerome is very strong on leadership and we'll get someone to give him a hand. Olivier's name will come into the calculations but we'll have a talk with the senior players and management before making a decision."
Meanwhile, the Catalans have had discussions with former Australia Test prop Willie Mason but Walters does not believe the talks will produce an outcome.
"We had preliminary talks but I think Willie sees his future in Australia and we probably couldn't afford to pay what he wants," Walters admitted.
The Dragons have already signed centre or second rower Setaimata Sa from Sydney Roosters and Melbourne loose forward Dallas Johnson, as well as centre Tony Gigot from Harlequins for their 2010 campaign.
