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.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I agree Orford for the Eels would be a backward step, I've watched him over his career and he does little for me, I think at best he is a decent enough half back but he lacks vision. I would think he would be better suited to getting fit and seeing out his contract in England and then on to retirement. The Eels need to fix their coaching staff first and then get the hayne train to stop with the over the top self belief. If they can manage those things they might be OK for next season. I agree that they need to nuture a home grown young half to bring on as a long term prospect not pay through the nose for a over the hill Orford. The $25000 will get you a better result at the grass roots level than wasting it on high profile players that will at best be a short term fix (if at all). Eels need a general that's obvious, the talent this side has got is enormous but it needs to be channelled in the right direction. Mortimer is the 6 why not nuture him and give him a bit more responsibility couple him up with a campatible young half back and you never know what might happen ie Carney and Pierce.
M1tch
Roar Guru
22-8 down with 20 odd mins to go and Orford kicks were deep into the Storms half, he didnt mix up the kicking game 1 bit, chip kicks for robertson to chase through, he provided nothing and as you say with the forwards beaten the halfback gave them nothing to get excited for
Fez's are cool
Guest
$850 is his salary over 4 years. Orford would be his salary + $250k to buy out his Bradford contract for 1 year.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Josh, agree 100%. 2 things here for Eels fans: 1. Cooper is a star but very much and individualists which is NOT what Parra need. They require a talker,who can kick tactically and above all organise. 2. Orford is a good talker but a poor kicker and poor organiser. Ask yourself why he has never played rep footy and why Des sacked him. Des is no dummy. Please dont tell me he won the Dally m as the points allocated for the last 6 games was a joke with Billy Slater the stand out player that year.
soapit
Guest
because cooper is backing himself to prove how important he is to the wallabies over that year and get a better offer. i'd say he'll succeed. if oz wins the rugby world cup parra might have a chance at cooper but otherwise he'll stay. (need i say "in my opinion")
Gareth
Guest
I'm pretty sure Osbourne was well aware of the situation, but wanted to put himself into the frame regardless. He's done Cooper a favour by boosting his ARU contract, who's to say Cooper won't feel compelled to return that favour down the track?
Fez's are cool
Guest
Well, why was the contract only a 1 year deal? Why did he then spend an hour talking to Osborne the next day? Why are Parramatta saying they will get him, and are budgeting Cooper into their 2012 cap?
Tom
Guest
You can hardly blame him for the 2007 Grand Final, it is very hard to do anything as a halfback when your forward pack is getting absolutely trampled.
Josh
Guest
The eels need someone. With Mateo gone they lose a bit of spark and second phase play that has become so crucial to their game. With Mortimer to become the highest paid park footballer next year they are in desperate need of some creativity in the halves or at hooker. A Farah, Luke or Carney type player. I do not think Orford is the answer. My tip is the eels to struggle big time next year.
Willy
Guest
Eels won't get near Cooper. They won't have either the most cash or best career move to offer. They were used as a bargaining chip - very effectively I might add! I reckon Paul Osborne moves faster on his legs than he does between the ears... And that's not saying too much.
M1tch
Roar Guru
His Bulls career has been dogged by niggling injuries and we've seen with players once you start they aint going away, he wouldnt survive a full season or 2 back in the NRL. Look at his performances for the Storm in 2003-05 finals, he was dire, his kicking game has no plan B which we saw in the 2007 grand final and 2009 prelim final Kimmorley and Orford are no where near the same, Kimmorley runs hard after his kicks, can tackle and later his career he did adapt, Orford is a sideways player and that where Manly stunk last year, no options after teams work him out on his day.
Jay
Guest
Yup - just look at the miracles for recruiting Barret (and dumping noddy) and stacey jones... Better off making a play for an emerging player like what the panthers did with luke walsh
Jay
Guest
as opposed to the $850k for Quade?
extreme13
Roar Rookie
No, I don't want him at my club thanks.
Fez's are cool
Guest
No it won't, because Bradford are demanding a 100,000 pound pay out for him, which is way too much for a 1 year contract.
Fez's are cool
Guest
Checking facts fail... The Eels will get Cooper this time next year. They badly need a 1 year deal with a decent half to fill the gap between now and then.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
M1tch I'm not sure I agree. Granted he would be 33, but he is hardly injury prone. The shoulder injury he has now is the first major injury he has had in his career they has ruled him out for a long period. In his 10-year NRL career the clubs he played for made the finals seven times. Seven out of 10 is great no matter who it is. And in that seven he made two grand finals, and won one of them. Considering the Storm were cheating the cap in 2007, it perhaps should be two. So I don't think he has struggled getting teams into the finals. If he did go to Parramatta he wouldn't be exactly the same player he was in 2007 or 2008, but he could still have an impact and help the team. Kimmorley played well this year at 34, while Petero is still going round and Steve Price made 36.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Orford would be 33, injured prone and has many failures in the NRL when it comes to getting teams in finals..it would make parra weaker next season with out a doubt
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Apologies, Cooper has only signed a one-year deal. But this still leaves Parramatta in the wind next season. I think the smart play would be to sign Orford, on a one or two-year deal.
Marty
Guest
Quade Cooper is only signed until the World Cup - October 2011. Fail.