Orford steps up bid to return to NRL

Bradford Bulls wantaway scrum half Matt Orford has turned to a leading sports lawyer in a bid to finalise his release from the club.

The 32-year-old has made it clear that has no intention of returning to Britain and has been strongly linked with a move to Canberra Raiders.

However, Bradford are unwilling to release the Australian from the remaining two years of his contract unless they receive a transfer fee.

Orford and his manager George Mimis have now appointed Richard Cramer as their legal representative according to The Canberra Times.

Cramer is a partner with FrontRow Legal and their website claims that he is one of the country’s leading sports lawyers and has extensive experience in sport related disputes.

The Bulls are believed to be asking for a transfer fee in the region of £125,000 before they will release Orford.

However, it is understood that the player claims he is owed a similar amount in wages by the club.