PINT-SIZED Melbourne halfback Matt Orford plans to prolong contract negotiations with the Storm after winning selection in the 25-man Australian squad announced this week.
The in-form Storm halfback has begun preliminary talks with Melbourne but last night refused to rule out a possible return to Sydney.
Orford, a Central Coast junior, admits he likes the idea of returning to the NSW if the NRL were to grant the region a licence.
"I've been at the club for so long but for me to stay things have to be right," Orford said.
"It's a pretty important decision and I'm not going to rush into anything, I have to consider a lot of things."
"I suppose moving back to Sydney would be a consideration but if the deal is right here I'd love to stay.
"All these things come into consideration and if things aren't right I might have to look elsewhere."
Winning selection in the Kangaroos squad means Orford's world has gone from bad to brilliant in a matter of weeks.
The wizard halfback had "an experience to forget" when a suspected brain clot threatened his future just one week before the season kick-off.
Now, three weeks later, he is in with a chance for a spot in the Test side.
"It's always been a dream and a goal [to be named], there's a lot of good halfbacks around though," Orford said.
"It's nice to have your name in the mix . . . [It's better than] the strange week I had before we started the season, I'm glad to have that behind me, put it that way.
"Now I'm just enjoying my football and hopefully getting ourselves in the winners' circle."
Orford is off contract with the Storm at the end of this season and admits he is no certainty to remain at the Melbourne-based club.
Among Orford's considerations have been the recent re-signing of coach Craig Bellamy and the Storm's attempts to secure young gun fullback Billy Slater, who is also off contract.
Orford has been following with interest the fortunes of the wannabe Coast team, the Bears, backed by John Singleton.
"If the Central Coast team was to get up then I would love to be a part of that, but there are some doubts and question marks about that," he said.
"I might have to wait and see, there's a lot of speculation about that side.
"I'd like to but things, like Melbourne, would have to be right. I grew up on the Central Coast but I have to do what is the best for my football."
For the moment, Orford will look to put Melbourne in a winning position as they go into this weekend's clash with the Broncos.
"I don't think we've had a win against the Broncos for a few years, they've had the wood on us even though they've been tight matches," Orford said.
"They are just such a big side and I think if we can start with containing their forwards then we know we can score points. If we defend well, that will win us the game
