6:30am Tuesday 24th November 2009
By Connor Murphy
Matt Orford should be confirmed as a Bradford Bulls player this week.
The Aussie scrum half agreed a move to Odsal last week but the deal has been challenged by one-time Bulls target Chris Walker.
Former Gold Coast star Walker claims he had a two-year contract with Bradford wrapped up before Orford assumed the club’s final import quota spot for 2010.
But it is believed Walker’s contract was not registered with the Rugby Football League and there is not expected to be any problems in completing Orford’s registration.
The RFL yesterday confirmed they were looking into the case but could not provide a timescale for the final decision.
Meanwhile, Orford is champing at the bit to join up with his new team-mates and put a difficult year firmly in the past.
Expectations had been high at Manly in 2009 following their NRL Grand Final success the previous year but boardroom wrangling and power struggles hampered the club’s campaign.
The Sea Eagles finished fifth in the NRL and were thumped 40-12 in the first round of the play-offs by eventual champions Melbourne, who they had defeated in the 2008 Grand Final.
"I’m sort of at that age where maybe four years ago I would’ve let it get to me but it comes as part and parcel of the game," said Orford, who had shouldered much of the blame from critics.
"As playmaker, you are the fall guy when things go wrong. When I was younger, I took it to heart but when you get older and wiser you learn to turn it into positive energy.
"It’s not about proving anyone wrong but you feed off that and keep working on your game.
"If you’re not doing something right, it’s not the critics you are worried about but your coach and your team-mates. You don’t want to let them down.
"It was a rough year on and off the field so it’s going to be a fresh start and I’m looking forward to it that way. I want to keep improving my game and hopefully win some trophies with the Bulls. That’s the holy grail."
* Bradford Bulls fans will have their first chance to meet many of the club's overseas imports on Sunday at the Grattan Stadium.
The club are holding a race evening, and all the Bulls players are due to take part (4pm). There is also a hot buffet of turkey, stuffing and roast potatoes.
There will also be sponsorship opportunities for individuals and companies.
Tickets (£5) can be obtained from the Bulls' ticket office.
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