By AAP
November 19th 2009 @ 2:20am
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Chris Walker to block Orford’s Bradford move
Matt Orford’s move to Bradford could be in doubt after former Gold Coast winger Chris Walker revealed he is taking action against the English Super League club signing the Manly captain.
Orford, who announced last week he is leaving Manly to take up a lucrative contract in the UK, could be forced to stay in Australia after it emerged Bradford decided against signing Walker so they could secure the services of the 2008 Dally M Medal winner.
Prior to Orford becoming available, Bradford had already filled their quota of five overseas players and Walker could be left in limbo after rejecting a new contract from the Titans to sign with Bradford in August.
The former Sydney Roosters and Queensland star’s manager Chris Orr said he will be asking lawyers to lobby the English Rugby League to block Orford’s move.
“We will be looking at all options and the players association will be looking at all options and until Chris Walker’s situation is resolved I can’t see how they can sign Matt Orford,” Orr told the Ten Network.
“It sets a terrible precedence if clubs can stockpile contracts sat on their desk and pick and choose who they want to activate.
“There has got to be a duty of care.”
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Andy said | November 19th 2009 @ 6:53am | Report comment
Bradford need a halfback or their season is stuffed. They don’t need a winger. It does not seem fair that a club and its fans should suffer another bad season because they will not be able to afford a decent halfback if they opt for this Walker nonsense.
Mick from Giralang said | November 19th 2009 @ 7:30am | Report comment
But surely they have to abide by legal contracts?
mitzter said | November 19th 2009 @ 7:40am | Report comment
I have no time for walker, don’t care what happens to him
M1tch said | November 19th 2009 @ 9:20am | Report comment
expect a nice compensation package for chris within the next few days
oikee said | November 20th 2009 @ 5:45pm | Report comment
Chris Walker is a excitement machine, he is free of injury, and if Bradford had any sense, they would find a younster to fill the half position. He is close to the fastest player in the NRL. Orford wont produce youngsters. They need to think future, not present. cheers. Also, i would say, they should only buy wingers, maybe lockyer for show, and dollars. But other players, just buy speed.
oikee said | November 20th 2009 @ 5:47pm | Report comment
And to prove my point, did anyone see any England player produce speed in the 4 nations. ? no, so speed is what they need. Cheers.