Jack Bird has pledged his long-term allegiance to Cronulla and is confident fellow backline aces Valentine Holmes and Ben Barba will also remain at the NRL premiers.Bird and Holmes are among the hottest properties off contract at the end of next season, while Barbas future is up in the air following h

Jack Bird has pledged his long-term allegiance to Cronulla and is confident fellow backline aces Valentine Holmes and Ben Barba will also remain at the NRL premiers.Bird and Holmes are among the hottest properties off contract at the end of next season, while Barbas future is up in the air following his 12-match suspension for testing positive to cocaine after the Sharks historic grand final triumph in October.Barba is said to be the target of cashed-up rugby clubs in Europe and Japan after being granted a release from his Cronulla contract, but Bird delivered some welcome news for Sharks fans on Wednesday.Obviously hes a big loss, but Im sure hell be back during the year at some time and hes got all our support behind him, Bird said at the Auckland Nines launch in Sydney.Bird is hoping to settle his own future sooner rather than later and says as long as the Sharks table a reasonable offer hell almost certainly stay put.I just want to be comfortable where I am. Im happy to stay at the Sharks. I want to stay at the Sharks, he said.Birds loyalty pledge comes as a raft of rival clubs circle, with Newcastle and Gold Coast understood to be willing to throw huge money at the NSW State of Origin representative.Bird admits money is a factor but so too is camaraderie, with the rep ace keen to remain alongside his grand final teammates, including housemate and fellow young gun Holmes.Its a short career. Youre going to take as much as you can get to have a good career and be set for after footy, said Bird, who also harbours long-term captaincy aspirations at the Sharks.But Im not really demanding that much, to be honest. Im not that kind of guy. I just like playing footy if I got offered the minimum wage Id probably play.Bird is even willing to give Holmes first crack at the fullback position left vacant - for at least three months - by Barba.Im happy at centre. To be honest, it doesnt really bother me (where I play) besides winger, he said.But in saying that, anywhere to be around the ball I guess. I enjoy the halves but Im not much of an organiser. Im more of a runner.Bird collected Holmes from the airport following his return last week from NFL trials in America and is convinced the electrifying winger has the talent to make the code switch.Hed be a class wide receiver, to be honest. Hes got the speed, he can catch the ball, Bird said.But I dont think hes going anywhere to be honest. Hell be at the Sharks for a long time. Kenny Clark Super Bowl Jersey . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Jimmy Graham Super Bowl Jersey . 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The world is just not built for the extremely tall, lament those longest of limb. I couldnt get on the Batman ride at Six Flags! one 6-foot-9 baller says. So to walk a mile in their ridiculously big shoes, we offered confidentiality to 66 NBA players who measure 6-8 and up in exchange for their honest takes on what it means to be the tallest guy in the room.* Heres the weather report from way up there.What is the best thing about being tall?Playing basketball 25 percent (most popular answer) Standing out/getting attention?19 percent Seeing over people 19 percentI cant imagine being below everyone and not seeing whats going on. Thatd be scary. --?Eastern Conference playerWhat is the worst thing about being tall?Hitting my head on doorways?26 percent (most popular answer) Traveling in cars and airplanes?24 percent Finding clothes that fit?17 percentYou hit the doorway when youre tall. You get used to it ... but it hurts a lot.? -- 7-1 NBA playerWhen you chose basketball as a career, what percent was due to your enjoyment of the game, versus your size?For love of the game?86 percent (average answer)Do you think you get fewer calls from referees because of your size?Yes 56 percent No?44 percentRefs love the smaller guys. Its a real thing.?-- Eastern Conference forwardWould you change your position if your height were different?Yes 61 percent No?39 percentIf so, what would itt be?Point guard?61 percent (most popular answer)Would you change sports if your height were different?Yes 42 percent No 58 percentIf so, what would it be?Soccer?30 percent (most popular answer)Outside of the basketball arena, do you sense that people feel threatened by you because of your size?Yes?52 percent No 48 percentIf Im standing behind someone in Chipotle, they kind of take a glance at me and theyre like, oh gosh.ddddddddddddThey scoot forward. That lets you know.? -- Nine-year NBA veteranDo you fear long-term health issues due to your size?Yes 19 percent No 81 percentDo you feel more prone to injury due to your size?Yes 33 percent No 67 percentDoes your height affect your self-confidence positively, negatively or not at all?Positively 63 percent Negatively 0 percent Not at all?37 percentIt was awful growing up ... but as you get into real life, the taller you are, the more you get praise.? -- Eastern Conference playerDo you think you are subject to more emotional and/or verbal mistreatment because of your size?Yes 27 percent No 73 percentHow often do people ask you how tall you are?Every day 80 percent (most popular answer)Does the question annoy you?Yes 46 percent No 54 percentI got a shirt that said, I am 7-1. Yes, I play basketball. On the back, it said, Leave me alone. -- Former first-round draft pick*Not all players answered every question. Percentages are rounded. ' ' '