Orford's Bradford Bulls future still clouded in doubt
6:50am Friday 24th September 2010
Matt Orford’s future remains up in the air, despite fresh denials over a potential return to the NRL.
It is believed the 32-year-old scrum half is still seeking a club in Australia, even after agent George Mimis scotched suggestions he had requested a release from his Bulls contract.
Currently in Sydney recovering from a serious shoulder injury, Orford has attracted interest from Canberra and Parramatta but has two years left to run on his deal at Odsal.
“We have not requested a release from Bradford,” Mimis said this week.
“He is in the country recovering from an injury in Manly, and that’s where we are with that.”
Orford only arrived at Bradford on a three-year deal in January, following his high-profile switch from Manly Sea Eagles.
But despite an encouraging start, the Aussie star only featured in 14 games before his season was cruelly cut short by a dislocated shoulder, the Bulls winning just one of their remaining 12 games in his absence.
Even before the injury, speculation had been rife that Orford was homesick in England, and it only intensified when he returned home to undergo shoulder reconstruction surgery.
Both Canberra and Parramatta are interested in negotiating a deal but the sticking point remains his current contract.
Bradford would be unwilling to release the player without receiving compensation, while NRL clubs continue to play hardball over transfer fees. Even so, it remains very unlikely the former Dally M Medal-winner will return to England.
The departure of Orford’s former Manly team-mate
Steve Menzies was yesterday confirmed after he signed a one-year deal with Catalans Dragons.
Despite a successful two-year spell with the Bulls, Menzies was not offered a new contract due to quota restrictions but was keen to play one more year before retirement.
The 36-year-old back-rower had also been linked with a return to the NRL but instead opted to finish his career in the south of France.
Meanwhile, Bulls pair Olivier Elima and
Michael Platt will both be on duty in the upcoming
Alitalia European Cup.
Elima will captain France, while Platt has been handed a surprise call-up by Ireland for next month’s competition, which also includes Wales and Scotland.
It will be the first time Platt has represented Ireland since the 2008 World Cup, having decided against playing in last year’s European Cup.
The Bradford contingent at the tournament is completed by prop
Craig Kopczak, who has been selected by Wales after missing out last year with a knee injury.
France will start as favourites, with the winners going on to compete in the 2011 Four Nations against England, Australia and New Zealand.
