Orford demands Bulls exit

Correspondent

Bradford have confirmed that wantaway half-back Matt Orford has requested a release from the final two years of his Bulls contract.

Orford, 32, signed for the Bulls last close season on a big money deal from Manly, but missed the second half of the season after sustaining an injury during the Magic Weekend at Murrayfield.

He has since returned to Australia, and has generated interest from the likes of Parramatta and Canberra in the NRL.

Bulls chairman Peter Hood said: “I will be speaking to Matt’s manager next week when he returns to Australia from the United States. In the meantime we have granted Matt dispensation to remain where he is, which means he will not be reporting for pre-season training on Monday 1st November as was originally planned into his injury rehabilitation schedule.

“In the event that we do agree to Matt’s release we shall certainly be retaining his registration until such time as appropriate compensation can be agreed.  Meanwhile, we remain focused on building a highly competitive squad for next season and beyond.”