LESStar58
Referee
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From todays Herald-Scum...maybe i'm jumping the gun but I think it looks like we'll tie the little fella up!
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12389487%5E14823,00.html
Storm presses Orford to re-sign
Karl deKroo
28feb05
MELBOURNE Storm will intensify efforts to lock halfback Matt Orford away to a long-term deal this week.
Storm hopes to re-sign Orford before launching its 2005 campaign against the Andrew Johns-inspired Newcastle Knights at Olympic Park on March 13.
The gifted playmaker's class was evident on Friday night as Storm surged from behind to beat North Queensland in its final pre-season tune-up in Cairns. After a slow start, Orford led Storm on a second-half points blitz.
It was a timely reminder of his talent ahead of high-level talks with the club this week.
"We have already had some discussions," Orford said.
"But they were put on hold while we have been in Queensland for the trials.
"I really wanted to get my head focused on football. But I think my manager is planning to speak to the club in the next week or so and we'll see where that leads us."
Orford signed a one-year deal with Storm last season -- but the club is desperate to make his commitment long term.
It is understood that Orford was granted permission to explore his options overseas before negotiations continue.
A deal worth more than $1 million for three seasons is thought to have been tabled to the 26-year-old.
Orford is believed to be closer to re-signing now that his fears regarding the strength of the new-look Storm pack have been allayed.
Youngsters Dallas Johnson and Ryan Hoffman have shown in Storm's two pre-season trial wins that they are ready to step into senior starting roles, while the arrival of Brett White, Dennis Scott, Jamie Feeney and Tevita Metuisela has also helped cover the losses of Stephen Kearney, Rodney Howe and Danny Williams.
"I have been really impressed by the fitness and the size of the forwards that have come into the club," Orford said.
"The young guys have been really impressive and it makes my job easier when I get to work behind a pack like that.
"I really think I can build on last year and I place high expectations on myself. I think I can take my game to another level."
After he tore the North Queensland defence apart on Friday night, coach Craig Bellamy predicted Orford could be ready to challenge Johns and Cronulla's Brett Kimmorley as the NRL's premier No. 7.
"The pleasing thing is that he is really looking to get involved," Bellamy said. "When he looks to do that he puts enormous pressure on teams."
STORM winger Steve Turner rested in hospital in Cairns yesterday after surgery on a badly dislocated foot.
The injury is set to rule Turner out for at least six months, and the severity of the swelling means he is unlikely to be able to return to Melbourne until later this week.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12389487%5E14823,00.html
Storm presses Orford to re-sign
Karl deKroo
28feb05
MELBOURNE Storm will intensify efforts to lock halfback Matt Orford away to a long-term deal this week.
Storm hopes to re-sign Orford before launching its 2005 campaign against the Andrew Johns-inspired Newcastle Knights at Olympic Park on March 13.
The gifted playmaker's class was evident on Friday night as Storm surged from behind to beat North Queensland in its final pre-season tune-up in Cairns. After a slow start, Orford led Storm on a second-half points blitz.
It was a timely reminder of his talent ahead of high-level talks with the club this week.
"We have already had some discussions," Orford said.
"But they were put on hold while we have been in Queensland for the trials.
"I really wanted to get my head focused on football. But I think my manager is planning to speak to the club in the next week or so and we'll see where that leads us."
Orford signed a one-year deal with Storm last season -- but the club is desperate to make his commitment long term.
It is understood that Orford was granted permission to explore his options overseas before negotiations continue.
A deal worth more than $1 million for three seasons is thought to have been tabled to the 26-year-old.
Orford is believed to be closer to re-signing now that his fears regarding the strength of the new-look Storm pack have been allayed.
Youngsters Dallas Johnson and Ryan Hoffman have shown in Storm's two pre-season trial wins that they are ready to step into senior starting roles, while the arrival of Brett White, Dennis Scott, Jamie Feeney and Tevita Metuisela has also helped cover the losses of Stephen Kearney, Rodney Howe and Danny Williams.
"I have been really impressed by the fitness and the size of the forwards that have come into the club," Orford said.
"The young guys have been really impressive and it makes my job easier when I get to work behind a pack like that.
"I really think I can build on last year and I place high expectations on myself. I think I can take my game to another level."
After he tore the North Queensland defence apart on Friday night, coach Craig Bellamy predicted Orford could be ready to challenge Johns and Cronulla's Brett Kimmorley as the NRL's premier No. 7.
"The pleasing thing is that he is really looking to get involved," Bellamy said. "When he looks to do that he puts enormous pressure on teams."
STORM winger Steve Turner rested in hospital in Cairns yesterday after surgery on a badly dislocated foot.
The injury is set to rule Turner out for at least six months, and the severity of the swelling means he is unlikely to be able to return to Melbourne until later this week.
