Fallen NRL star Greg Bird will play Shute Shield rugby this season after his attempts to play for NSW Cup side Newtown Jets was scuppered by the NRL.

The former Cronulla Sharks star has been thrown a lifeline by the Southern Districts Rugby Club, News Limited have reported.

Bird, who will face court later this year to face charges including grievous bodily harm against his 24-year-old American girlfriend Katie Milligan, has been in limbo after he was denied a work visa in the UK to play for Super League club Bradford.

"It's not about Greg Bird signing to play with Southern Districts, it's about a young bloke who is going through a pretty difficult time having the opportunity to have a bit of fun with a few of his mates," Souths rugby manager Max Currie said.

NRL boss David Gallop had no problems with Bird playing club rugby.

"Greg is facing serious criminal charges but playing some sport will keep him occupied and could be good for him," Gallop said.

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