THE National Rugby League has suggested there is "significantly more" to the Bulldogs' sacking of Reni Maitua than one last missed training session.

The league yesterday sought to justify its threat to deregister the former Test utility so he could not play with another NRL club in 2009.

"The information the NRL has … is that there is significantly more to the decision than the player's late arrival at training," a league spokesman said.

"On the basis of preliminary reports from the Bulldogs, the NRL has indicated that it would be likely to support the club by not registering a contract between the player and another club for the 2009 season."

The Rugby League Professionals Association said that was "unfair and unjust", calling Maitua a "decent young man".

"The sacking of Maitua is punishment enough for his indiscretions, with significant loss of income and damage to his reputation," RLPA boss Matt Rodwell said.

The association has sought legal advice.

Meanwhile, Cronulla's board discussed Greg Bird's future last night. The club had given Bird a "show cause" notice on November 12, after he was charged over the alleged assault of his girlfriend, and received his 10-page response yesterday.

Bird said he expected a decision today, but Sharks chairman Barry Pierce said the club needed more time.

AAP