Bulls rebel Matt Orford started work with new employers Canberra Raiders yesterday at the end of a four-month fight to leave Odsal.

The former Dally M Medal winner attended the club’s Northbourne Oval practice facility after reaching a verbal agreement over the terms of his release.

Final confirmation of Orford’s departure is expected today, with the player just needing to sign off on a compromise struck up by representatives from both parties.

But the 32-year-old’s Canberra career has already suffered disruption after a knee injury prevented him from playing an active part in training.

Surgery to correct the problem will keep him out for around three weeks.