Pretty sure there is no definition of left field that fits Leon returning unfortunatly, keep praying though



And as this is the Orford thread that's hardly left field at all and anyway tomorrows announcement has nothing to do with Orford. He's contracted to return in November and will do so unless he can secure a release..... the wait continues.

After finally getting to listen to the interview with Ryan on radio Leeds I dont think anyone should get excited. That smacked to me off a statement drafted by a lawyer. It was littered with phrases like 'under contract for 2 years','agreed he would return in november','we expect him to return' etc. Think that was simply a case of the club stating its position in the public domain as part of negotiation process in sorting a release fee out.

Other telling point in my view is if there was any serious prospect of Orford returning then it would have been given to Connor Murphy as an exclusive. The fact that we've let it go out via radio Leeds takes Connor, who's developed an excellent relationship with the club and fans, out of the firing line in regards to any accusations of misleading the fans.

And good on them if that's the case.

Connor is one of the best things to happen to the T&A and Bradford Bulls Media for a long time. Not only does he have the integrity to not want to report any rumours unless there's a basis to them, but he appears to have a genuine liking for the club and the sport, as well as being a thoroughly decent and nice bloke on top of it. The difference between him and his predecessor is monumental.

exactly what I thought and thats the major reason I dont place any credence in Orford returning. plus I cant see space for 3 or 4 more players under cap if Orford returns (I'd guess 2 max if he comes back).

it does make you wonder if orford has been binding his time waiting to see who potter signed?.......... i guess he has thought we have made some gud signings and been linked with class players like pryce etc who he can probably play his best rugby with unlike some of the numptys he had to play with last season

I wouldn't be too confident yet, more stuff in the press today about Orford being top of Parras shopping list. See bottom of article: tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/kea ... ob-3821573

I wouldn't be too confident yet, more stuff in the press today about Orford being top of Parras shopping list. See bottom of article: tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/kea ... ob-3821573

Quote ="Richard_bull"I wouldn't be too confident yet, more stuff in the press today about Orford being top of Parras shopping list. See bottom of article: tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/kea ... ob-3821573'" Fact Connor hasnt even mentioned ducketts radio leeds interview in cummins article speaks volumes to me. Orford is not coming back and club is setting its stall out for release negotiations.

Quote ="Richard_bull"I wouldn't be too confident yet, more stuff in the press today about Orford being top of Parras shopping list. See bottom of article: tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/kea ... ob-3821573'" Fact Connor hasnt even mentioned ducketts radio leeds interview in cummins article speaks volumes to me. Orford is not coming back and club is setting its stall out for release negotiations.

That is what I think too, I don't reckon we will be seeing Orford in Bradford any time soon.

[url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/10/10/06/RUGBYL_Bradford_Orford.htmlBulls insist Orford is returning[/url

Well, that's the party line and the club are sticking to it. I suppose time will tell.

Not long to wait to find out now anyway!

Still not very confident on his return. I suppose all the club can do is reassure fans like myself that Orford is going to fulfill his contractual duties by releasing another press release like today's.

Interesting is the bit about Mick Potter going home for a holiday, wouldn't be suprised if there is a face to face to sort it!

According to [url=http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-league-news/kearney-takes-tough-top-job-3821573this[/url Orford is on holiday in Bali.

Well we'll know by the start of November!

why does he need a holiday when he has not been doing anything since june.

If he's not due back till november, why can't he go on a holiday?

If it means he comes back happy and refreshed then even better.

He had is arm in a sling so he couldn't use it for alot of the time too, being at home not being able to dress yourself isn't really a holiday even if you live in oz!

If the Eels would be willing to stump up cash it'd be better sooner rather than later.

Maybe Potter will do a couple of days work whilst on holiday though, shopping for half-backs?

[url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parra-board-agrees-to-give-kearney-final-say-on-players-20101006-167we.htmlKearney/Parra/Orford[/url

''I know Matty fairly well from my time in Melbourne, and I know he's keen to come back down to the NRL, and that's something we've got to work through,'' Kearney said. ''I'll be talking to him in the next couple of weeks. We were supposed to meet today but there was a stuff-up with the dates. He's in Bali at the moment.''

You would hope with the approval (although not nessesarily public) of the Bradford club. As that is another coach and club admitting in public making an approach to a contracted player.

Kearney tapping Orford up?

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