Russell Crowe's money pushing Matt Orford out

MATT Orford could quit the NRL as early as today after English Super League giants the Bradford Bulls significantly upgraded their offer for the Manly skipper over the weekend.

The additional money has come from Souths co-owner Russell Crowe, who paid the Bulls a massive transfer fee - some say up to $500,000 - for the release of England Test forward Sam Burgess.

Sources in England said the Bulls have tabled a three-year deal for Orford worth close to $1.5million.

Manly's offer is $600,000 over two years.

Orford is reluctant to leave the NRL and believes the Sea Eagles can win another premiership in 2010, but the huge money on offer in England could be irresistible.

Orford joined Manly on $450,000 a year from Melbourne and has since won a premiership, world club challenge and a Dally M Medal. One source said: "Matt is a very loyal bloke. It will be a tough decision for him but the terms on offer are incredible.''

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There are several clubs interested in Orford, but Bradford's deal is the most attractive.

Negotiations between Orford's manager George Mimis and Manly have been ongoing. However, the Sea Eagles' reluctance to appoint a chief executive over the past five months has hindered discussions.

Orford was about to re-sign with Manly until Bradford's increased offer arrived on Saturday night. Should he join the Bulls, Orford would link with former Manly teammates Steve Menzies, Heath L'Estrange and Glenn Hall.

Orford's departure would leave a huge gap at Manly, but rising star Kieran Foran would more than likely start at halfback with Lyon shifting to five-eighth.

The skipper attended Manly's orientation day on Friday before taking off on a short holiday.

"We have had protracted dialogue with Manly,'' Orford's manager George Mimis said.

"Matt was at Manly's orientation day on Friday and we hope to have a decision on his future over the next day or two.''

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Orford, Bradford are refusing to confirm or deny reports linking their halfback Paul Deacon with a shock move to Wigan.

Deacon, 30, is set to quit the Yorkshire club for their Lancashire rivals, who will be coached by former Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire next season.

Manly chairman Scott Penn was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Burgess almost signed with Manly after Menzies had spoken to his Bulls teammate about heading to Brookvale.

But the Sea Eagles had no room in their 2010 salary cap to accommodate the giant English youngster.

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 5797943634

Russell Crowe's money pushing Matt Orford out

MATT Orford could quit the NRL as early as today after English Super League giants the Bradford Bulls significantly upgraded their offer for the Manly skipper over the weekend.

The additional money has come from Souths co-owner Russell Crowe, who paid the Bulls a massive transfer fee - some say up to $500,000 - for the release of England Test forward Sam Burgess.

Sources in England said the Bulls have tabled a three-year deal for Orford worth close to $1.5million.

Manly's offer is $600,000 over two years.

Orford is reluctant to leave the NRL and believes the Sea Eagles can win another premiership in 2010, but the huge money on offer in England could be irresistible.

Orford joined Manly on $450,000 a year from Melbourne and has since won a premiership, world club challenge and a Dally M Medal. One source said: "Matt is a very loyal bloke. It will be a tough decision for him but the terms on offer are incredible.''

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.


End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

There are several clubs interested in Orford, but Bradford's deal is the most attractive.

Negotiations between Orford's manager George Mimis and Manly have been ongoing. However, the Sea Eagles' reluctance to appoint a chief executive over the past five months has hindered discussions.

Orford was about to re-sign with Manly until Bradford's increased offer arrived on Saturday night. Should he join the Bulls, Orford would link with former Manly teammates Steve Menzies, Heath L'Estrange and Glenn Hall.

Orford's departure would leave a huge gap at Manly, but rising star Kieran Foran would more than likely start at halfback with Lyon shifting to five-eighth.

The skipper attended Manly's orientation day on Friday before taking off on a short holiday.

"We have had protracted dialogue with Manly,'' Orford's manager George Mimis said.

"Matt was at Manly's orientation day on Friday and we hope to have a decision on his future over the next day or two.''

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Orford, Bradford are refusing to confirm or deny reports linking their halfback Paul Deacon with a shock move to Wigan.

Deacon, 30, is set to quit the Yorkshire club for their Lancashire rivals, who will be coached by former Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire next season.

Manly chairman Scott Penn was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Burgess almost signed with Manly after Menzies had spoken to his Bulls teammate about heading to Brookvale.

But the Sea Eagles had no room in their 2010 salary cap to accommodate the giant English youngster.

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 5797943634