Bradford Bulls sign Canberra halfback Marc herbert paving way for Matt Orford's NRL return

From Press Association
October 29, 2010 7:00PM

Return imminent ... Bulls sign halfback Herbert paving way for Orford to return to NRL. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Super League side Bradford have continued their rebuilding with the signing of Canberra halfback Marc Herbert, which is expected to pave the way for Matt Orford to return to the NRL with Parramatta.

The 23-year-old Raiders player has signed a 12-month contract with the Bulls and becomes new coach Mick Potter's 10th recruit for 2011.

He is expected to be a straight replacement for the 32-year-old Matt Orford, who this week formally sought a release from the two years left on his three-year contract after becoming homesick and is expected to join Parramatta.

"Marc is a player I have been aware of for some time," said Potter. "I am sure he will make a very good Super League player."

Herbert has made 23 appearances for the Raiders but missed much of this season with an ankle injury from which he has now recovered.

"I am really excited to be joining the Bulls," he said.

"Super League will be a different experience for me and I intend to make the most of the opportunity."

Replies

PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au October 29, 2010 at 7:12pm

i have a feeling he will goto the Raiders to be honest.
Ricky October 29, 2010 at 7:14pm

Wouldn't it make more sense that given the Raiders have sent Herbert to the ESL, not to mention the fact that Terry Campese will be out for at least half the season, for Orford to head to Canberra?
The only recognised half that the Raiders have is Josh McCrone, and so they'll need someone else to occupy either five-eighth or halfback, meaning that Orford would be the player they're after.
parra dream team October 29, 2010 at 7:21pm

were got the coin!!
Barra Eel October 29, 2010 at 7:23pm

Yeh!
no campese till round 20 next year and just gave bradford there next best replacement.....
So no where in this article did the reporter maybe think that Orford just may be on his way to Canberra????
Which would make sense now that sending Herbert to Bradford means it will take a big chunk out of the quoted tranfer fee canberra would have to pay for the Ox?????

As previous reports have told, and KNOWING! parra have made personal contact with Jt and just Signed Brad Murray and Still have Jeff Robson and Daniel Mortimer Occupying the Halves roles.

This almost proves that the Ox will be a Raider regardless of if we get JT or not in 2011.

Use your Head Costello!
- 2m55ehehnnw5k > Barra Eel October 29, 2010 at 7:25pm
  
  surely he is off to canberra
  
  why would canberra let herbert go otherwise
Ace Eel October 29, 2010 at 7:28pm

If anyone at Parra had any foresight...they would have signed Wade Graham...& we wouldn't be going through all this crap.....
2m55ehehnnw5k October 29, 2010 at 7:29pm

not enough experience between humble and murray - no way give this option a go
agree though about orford
PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au October 29, 2010 at 7:33pm

totally agree, but ozzie put all his eggs in one basket tring to get Cronk which was never going to happen and there was a ? over our coach as the rumors were he was going to get punted which turned out to be true. Managers would have been telling thier players to hold off on signing with us til the coach was sorted which was left to late.
Jpav October 29, 2010 at 7:38pm

this article should be called Orford Set for Raiders, eels have other plans
Michael Thomas Ryan October 29, 2010 at 8:18pm

Every player we are linked with signs for another club,so he will be Canberra bound next year