Cronulla star Greg Bird has declared his love for his girlfriend as police prepared to downgrade the charge he faces for allegedly glassing her in the face, potentially saving his NRL career.
The rugby league player denied the allegations against him and said he never had, and never would, harm his American girlfriend Katie Milligan.
A magistrate today refused to vary an apprehended violence order against Bird, which prevents the 24-year-old from contacting Ms Milligan, whom police said suffered a fractured eye socket and required surgery for glass wounds after an incident at Bird's Cronulla apartment early on August 24.
The Cronulla Sharks five-eighth was suspended by his club after being charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm, but police today said that charge would likely be downgraded to reckless wounding.
That development follows the laying of two other charges - public mischief and false accusation - arising from Bird's alleged attempt to get his flatmate Brent Watson to take the blame for the glassing incident.
Downing Centre Local Court Magistrate Graeme Henson today rejected an application from Bird to vary the AVO to allow him to contact Ms Milligan.
"It is not an appropriate case. I decline to entertain the application," he said.
Outside court, dressed smartly in a dark suit, white shirt and striped tie, Bird addressed reporters.
"I strongly deny the allegations that have been made against me," he said.
"I love my girlfriend. I never hurt her, and never would I ever hurt her."
Earlier this month, after trying unsuccessfully to have the AVO revoked, Ms Milligan, 24, said she remained "absolutely 100 per cent" behind Bird.
In making a case for a change to the AVO, Bird's lawyer, Les Nicholls, presented to court a supportive email from Ms Milligan.
"She has no objection to Mr Bird contacting her, and this is a significant change in circumstances," Mr Nicholls said.
"She has always stated that she had no desire the order be made."
Bird's playing ban at the Sharks remains despite the charge downgrade but chief executive Tony Zappia also said today's hearing had given the club more to consider when it weighs up Bird's future.
"From a club point of view we've got a little bit more information now, and when the board come back together (on Tuesday week) we'll make a decision from there," Zappia said.