Orford: Bulls move too good to refuse (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Orford: Bulls move too good to refuse

1:20pm Monday 16th November 2009

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Matt Orford says the chance to join the Bulls was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The 31-year-old scrum half became the club's sixth signing for 2010 after agreeing terms on a lucrative three-year deal this morning.

It was a move that came out of the blue for the player, who had joined up with his Manly teammates last week for some early pre-season work.

But as talks over a new deal with the Sea Eagles dragged on, the Bulls swooped to land their man.

Orford is seen as the ideal replacement for departing skipper Paul Deacon, set to be unveiled as a Wigan player later today, and becomes the fourth player of Manly's 2008 NRL Grand Final-winning side to join Bradford.

Steve Menzies, Glenn Hall and Heath L'Estrange are already signed on at Odsal and Orford cannot wait to join them.

"I think it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down," Orford told the T&A.

"All the stars aligned. It’s a great club and I think they underachieved last year and with the addition of Glenn and Heath it will make my transition easier.

"Steve (McNamara) made a lot of sense when I talked to him and we are on the same page. That kind of thing is very important.

"I’m very excited and I can’t wait to join Bradford. I’ve always wanted to play in Super League and this opportunity came at the right time.

"I’m coming to a great club with a great roster. Speaking to Steve, I’m really excited about coming over and trying to be part of something special."

But Orford also admits it was difficult to leave Manly, where he spent two separate spells as a player.

After rejoining the club in 2006 from Melbourne, he not only captained them to the NRL title but also won the 2008 Dally M medal as the top player in Australia.

"It was also one of the hardest decisions I have ever made," added Orford.

"I’ve been at Manly for four years and achieved some amazing goals so I was very fortunate to play for them and it was really tough to leave but I am really looking forward becoming a Bull."

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