Matt Orford’s first season in Super League has been cruelly cut short.

The talismanic scrum half will play no further part for the Bulls this year after losing his battle against a serious shoulder injury.

Surgery has become unavoidable despite Orford’s heroic efforts to play through the pain barrier and he will return home to Australia next week to undergo the procedure.

Until suffering the injury in the 19-0 loss to Crusaders last month, the 32-year-old had become a key playmaker and on-field organiser for Bradford, scoring 86 points in 14 matches following a winter switch from Manly.

But he has only managed to feature in one game since – the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Warrington – and, despite a willingness to play on, Bulls boss Steve McNamara insists a swift operation is best for both player and club.

“It’s a huge disappointment for him," said McNamara. "He’s a proud man and he wanted to see the season out.

“We knew leading into the Warrington game that it wasn’t good news for him but to put his hand up and do what he did was very courageous.

“I’ve probably never seen anyone get out on the pitch with that kind of problem before, without whinging and moaning.

“He wanted to do it and felt he could do it for 80 minutes and we very nearly got across the line.

“The reality is that his shoulder is shot and needs fixing up for the long-term benefit of the Bulls and for himself.”

It is the second season-ending injury Bradford have suffered in the space of three weeks after James Donaldson snapped cruciate ligaments in the cup defeat to Warrington.

Skipper Andy Lynch is also sidelined for a further three weeks following knee surgery, while vice-captain Jamie Langley has missed two months with a torn quad.

Orford said: “It’s really difficult because I’ve never really had an injury like this that has ruled me out midway through a season.

“I wanted to try and play on but unfortunately it’s out of my control. It’s something that needs to be fixed because the injury’s too bad.

“It’s hard because you feel as if you’re letting the boys down but I’ve just got to be patient and get back to fitness as soon as I can.”