Orford will link up with several former team-mates at Bradford
Bradford Bulls have agreed a deal to sign Manly captain Matt Orford on a lucrative three-year contract.
The Australian will move to Super League in a deal believed to be worth £840,000 in total after talks with the Sea Eagles broke down.
"I'm glad I haven't had a lot of time to consider the switch," said the 31-year-old half-back.
"My manager came up with the deal, I thought about it and made the best decision for my immediate future."
Orford led the Sea Eagles to the 2008 NRL title and will link up with former team-mates Steve Menzies, Glenn Hall and Heath L'Estrange at his new club.
"I always wanted to finish my career in England - this opportunity came earlier than expected but the chance to play with good friends at a club which is on the rise accelerated my decision," added the 2008 Dally M medal winner.
"There is nothing sinister in the switch. I could have remained with Manly for two more years but decided the time is right now. I have loved my time with the club since I returned from Melbourne Storm.
"It is a wonderful club with fantastic fans. I will miss living and playing in the area but a football career is short and I want to satisfy a long held goal to play in England for a couple of seasons.
"I wish Manly all the success in the world. They have some good young half-back prospects that deserve an opportunity in the NRL."
Orford will be coached at the Bulls by Steve McNamara - and the half-back added: "I'm coming to a great club with a great roster.
Matt will be a super acquisition for us and I am really looking forward to working alongside him
Bulls coach Steve McNamara
"Speaking to Steve, I'm really excited about coming over and trying to be part of something special."
The Bulls finished ninth in Super League in 2009 - missing out on the play-offs by one point after Catalans Dragons won at St Helens on the final weekend of the regular season.
McNamara, who is looking for an improvement in 2010, added: "I am highly delighted to be able to bring a player of Matt's stature and calibre to Bradford Bulls and his pedigree speaks for itself.
"He will be a super acquisition for us and I am really looking forward to working alongside him and driving the Bulls forward in 2010."
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