Something [url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/why-we-want-the-ox/story-e6frexnr-1225935191605=#800000a bit more concrete[/url here.

Its still the Aussie press, and so is about as reliable as reading tealeaves or Gledhill's predictions, but we do seem to see something firming up a bit more. A AUD 200k "Release Fee" is specifically mentioned now, although this could of course be speculation based on what happened with Sam or what leeds are asking for Eastwood.

Still pointless to speculate, although I would expect the club will be sticking resolutely to the position that he is a Bradford player and is expected to return. And if there is a Plan B lined up, no way would it make sense to disclose this (and weaken the hand for liquidated damages by showing that our loss had been mitigated) at this time.

That's about £125k.

I agree it's pointless to speculate on what the club might do as they must keep to the position outlined.

Wasn't Jeff Robson kept out of the Manly side by Orford for years? He must be delighted to hear about this or is he coming to us?

Same story that was in Sporting Life is now on the [url=http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=19247Super League website[/url

In the old days, we used to say "don't believe it till Duffy has denied it".

Of late, we have become more used to saying "don't believe it till Connor has alluded to it" - given how much care Connor has taken to establish and maintain his credibility.

Looks like more than a mere allusion to me? Rubicon crossed, methinks?

The moneys going up every day with the Aussie doller plummeting

????

The AUD is as strong against GBP at the moment as it has ever been in recent years. GBP/AUD is 1.61 this morning, whioch is bloody scary (and explains also why it costs 50% more to entice an antipodean than it did a couple of years ago). After a very strong run March-May, Sterling strengthened against the AUD (and others) June-Sept. Since then, its plumbed the toilet again.

If perchance we DO get paid out for Orford, and in AUD, AUD 200k will get you £124.2k today compared with £111.1k start of july. Or £80k a couple of years or so ago...

thats an interesting comment. Where has Orford made it clear he sees his future in NRL? AFAIK he hasnt made any public comments at all. Is Connor maybe letting slip a statement Orford has made to bulls in private?.

As I've said for a while the line Connor is taking seems to suggest a Orford departure is imminent. This goes against the reporting we've seen over last couple of days on radio leeds/sporting life etc, but I suspect Connors piece is a more accurate reflection of the true state of affairs.

Mat...the club is playing its hand correctly and spot on IMO. I know they won't negotiate through the media, and will continue to make it clear what they expect - and so IMO he, his bloody agent or any other party wishing to "coherse" him away will be very clear what the consequences will be, and therefore what will likely to be needed to secure a resolution. IMO, anyway.

So now it looks like Orford is going to go, who should they get in to replace him? I reckon they should try and go for Tim Moltzen from Wests, he has been out all season, and may have fallen down the pecking order at 7, so the Tigers may be willing to let him go. He looked an outstanding prospect the season before, and at the start of this season.

I suspect it may be hanbury. Connor doesnt usually drop a name like that unless theres more than just a rumour involved. That said Potter could be talking to people whilst down under. dont think we'l hear anything concrete for a few weeks tbh.

Isn't Hanbury first and foremost a full back? I know he plays halves for Crusaders but his favoured position was 1 in the NRL AFAIK.

Don't worry, we wouldn't sign a player who's a natural full back to play as a half back, would we???