Deacon to leave if Orford signs (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Deacon to leave if Orford signs

7:00am Saturday 14th November 2009

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Bulls skipper Paul Deacon could be set to end a glittering 11-year career at the club, paving the way for the arrival of Aussie star Matt Orford.

Deacon has won every major club prize since joining from Oldham in 1998 but is believed to be considering a switch to hometown club Wigan as player-coach.

While we haven’t signed off on a deal, there’s a risk he could play elsewhere

George Mimis - Matt Orford's manager

It is thought the Warriors want the 30-year-old scrum half to work with their juniors as part of a backroom overhaul under new head coach Michael Maguire.

A former Great Britain international and three-time Super League champion, Deacon would also be seen as the perfect mentor for 20-year-old England star Sam Tomkins.

The Bulls have refused to comment on the speculation but any switch appears dependent on whether the Bulls can lure 2008 Dally M medal-winner Orford to Odsal.

A long-term target of moneybags Warrington, among others, the Manly skipper has been out of contract at the club since his previous deal expired last month.

With the Sea Eagles’ boardroom in a state of disarray, talks on a renewal have stalled with just days remaining before the start of pre-season training.

And Orford, who has always stated he would prefer to stay put, could now be tempted to join former Manly team-mates and fellow 2008 NRL Grand Final winners Steve Menzies, Glenn Hall and Heath L’Estrange at Bradford.

Due to salary cap restrictions, the 31-year-old scrum half’s current club have already made it clear it is unlikely they would be able to match any offer made by the Bulls.

“While we haven’t signed off on a deal, there’s a risk he could play elsewhere,” said Orford’s manager George Mimis.

“But Matt’s preference has always been to stay at Manly.”

The news has come as a major surprise, with Deacon under contract at Bradford for another year after signing a two-year contract extension in 2008.

Currently the Bulls’ longest-serving player, he was a key component of their all-conquering sides earlier this decade but has been plagued by knee problems throughout the past two seasons.

Orford too struggled with injury this year as Manly were unable to defend their NRL title.

But he is just a year removed from being named the top player in Australia for his inspirational performances in leading the Sea Eagles to title glory, thrashing Melbourne 40-0 in the Grand Final.

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