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Former Dally M winner Matt Orford could be the solution to the Parramatta Eels halves dilemma. With Quade Cooper staying in union for two more years and both Brett Kimmorley and Trent Barrett retiring, Orford may be the savior for the Eels.
Orford appears desperate to return to the NRL, after an unhappy stint in the UK with Bradford, and has been in talks with Canberra, Manly and Parramatta. If the Eels can negotiate Orford a release from the Bulls, it may be a perfect fit.
At 32, Orford probably has two more good seasons in him. It was only two years ago that he won the Dally M and captained Manly to the 2008 grand final win. Since making his NRL debut for the Northern Eagles in 2000, Orford has been most one the most consistent halfbacks in the competition.
A solid player for the Storm for five years, Orford developed a lethal combination with the likes of Brett Stewart and Jamie Lyon at Manly. He left Manly at the end of 2009 because of the salary cap and a dispute over the amount of years Manly was offering him.
But a two-year deal at the Eels makes sense. The man they called “Ox” could be a perfect foil and steady partner to Daniel Mortimer, Anthony Mitchell and Jeff Robson (who he already played with at Manly). As I’ve written earlier, Parramatta desperately need an experienced half to help their team.
A player like Orford would not only take pressure off Hayne as a playmaker, but he could help guide Mortimer, Keating and Tom Humble. The Eels should have room under the cap in 2011, after letting Matteo and Innu go, and Cayless retire, but Orford wouldn’t be on the kind of money he was getting at Manly.
Parramatta is a young team that needs a seasoned pro at its spine and Orford is the best available option. If the Eels and Bradford can agree on a transfer fee, then the blue and gold army should have something to crow about before the next season kicks off.
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