MATT Orford is seeking a release from English club Bradford to join Parramatta.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Orford will speak with Bulls officials as early as this week in a bid to terminate the final two years of his English deal.
New Eels coach Steve Kearney has made contact with Orford over the past few days. The pair played together at Melbourne and have remained friends.
Sources in England have revealed that Orford is readying himself to ask for a release from Bulls chief executive Ryan Duckett.
Orford, in Australia for shoulder surgery, is due back in Yorkshire early next month - but he doesn't want to make the journey.
The Manly premiership-winning halfback is homesick and wants a return to the NRL. With his former club the Sea Eagles unable to sign him through salary cap constraints, Orford is ready to sign with Parramatta, provided Bradford agree to the release.
The English source stressed that Bradford did not want to lose Orford but were also reluctant to retain an unhappy player.
Just a few days ago, on the BBC website, Duckett said: "Nothing has changed. He remains contracted for another two years.
"When Matt went back home to have the operation he told us he was fully committed to the club.
"He is due back for training at the beginning of November."
Kearney is desperate for a halfback after Daniel Mortimer and Jeff Robson struggled this season.
Orford's experience would be invaluable to a Parramatta side already under pressure to perform next season.
Canberra and Cronulla are other NRL clubs interested in Orford. Should he obtain a release, Parramatta are firm favourites but the Sharks and the Raiders remain contenders.
George Mimis, Orford's manager, was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Orford suffered his shoulder injury in the 19-0 defeat by the Crusaders at Murrayfield in May and did not play another Super League game.
assuming of course that the person filling his position at that point in time isn't on fire.....
:lol:
