Eels Blogs

Orford set to be released

Posted by 1Eyed Eel on October 27, 2010 at 10:55am

Matt Orford is set to be released from his English Super League Club Bradford, paving the way for his return to the NRL.

1Eyed Eel sources connected with Bradford have confirmed that Orford's release is imminent and barring any last minute bureaucracy, he will be free to join the NRL possible as early as this week.

The release comes as Parramatta CEO Paul Osborne told club members last week that the club would be in a position to announce new signings "shortly". While media reports have put Canberra in the frame for Orford's services, my sources indicate that the Eels have always been leading the race to secure the former Dally M winner's services.

Reports on this website and in the Sydney Morning Herald have linked the Eels to Johnathan Thurston but that was always dependent on North Queensland releasing their marquee playermaker. North Queensland has publicly denied any intention of letting Thurston go.

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Replies

Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" October 27, 2010 at 11:03am

So - one blog by johnnubond says "Shifty" Sherwin could sign by Friday and is likely to be with Parra - now Orford could be released "early this week" with Parramatta favoured to gain his signature..

Shades of Cronk and Cooper 1 Eyed

HERE WE GO AGAIN - - WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love rollercoasters.
1Eyed Eel October 27, 2010 at 11:21am

No, not really. This time the player is actually going to be available. As I've stated, Orford will be released.

I would have him at very, very short odds to end up Parramatta. We have far more room in the salary cap for him than Canberra and given that the reputation of the CEO and board probably rests on this signing, I don't think we're going to miss out this time.
slip October 27, 2010 at 11:27am

Are Parra holding out for the first available Halfback or are they playing things very cool?
LegendTHECROWEELS October 27, 2010 at 11:28am

Is it looking like a 1 or 2 year deal if it happens
- RealEel > LegendTHECROWEELS October 27, 2010 at 12:46pm
  
  if 2 years, hopefully they will weight it heavily for the first year so that there is some money in the cap for 2012.
Hugh October 27, 2010 at 11:30am

there was talk of a 2nd signing before preseason training starts - any news on that?
slip October 27, 2010 at 11:32am

I have too many questions, another being about Quade Cooper. Has that been scrapped?
LegendTHECROWEELS October 27, 2010 at 11:34am

even if QC wanted to come down I dont expect it because of 1 reason. Stephanie Rice
slip October 27, 2010 at 11:36am

Don't think she would have anything to do with his decision making.
- LegendTHECROWEELS > slip October 27, 2010 at 11:50am
  
  Well we hope not slip