Bulls' Orford agrees Raiders move

Matt Orford originally suffered his shoulder injury at Murrayfield in May

Bradford Bulls have confirmed that star Australian half-back Matt Orford is set to complete his return down under after being released from his contract.

Orford, who only joined Bradford in January 2010, suffered a shoulder injury midway through last season.

And, after asking to be released from his three-year deal, Orford, 32, has agreed to sign for Canberra Raiders.

"I'm pleased to confirm we've agreed terms on which Matt's registration will be released," said chairman Peter Hood.

"There are valid but strictly confidential reasons why Matt Orford is unable to return to the UK, which were unknown to the club last summer when we agreed to his going home for surgery to his damaged shoulder, rather than have the operation here which would have been more usual.

Both the club and the player can now get on with the rest of their lives

Bradford Bulls chairman Peter Hood

"With the player's permission these reasons have been shared in confidence with the RFL.

"The issues that previously existed are now 'water under the bridge' - both the club and the player can now get on with the rest of their lives.

"The club is free to register a replacement player and Matt, who I understand has made a complete recovery from his shoulder operation, can resume his career in Australia."

Former Manly and Melbourne man Orford was the Bulls' marquee signing for 2010, when he arrived on a three-year deal.

And, after Bradford started the season with two defeats, Orford played a major role, inspiring a run of seven wins in nine league games to lift the Bulls high in the table, including two tries in the 22-20 comeback win against eventual champions Wigan.

But his injury, in the shock 19-0 defeat by Crusaders at Murrayfield in May, allied to the impending departure of outgoing England coach Steve McNamara, took its tool on Bradford's season.

While the New South Wales-born player returned home for his shoulder operation, Bradford went 12 games without a win as they nosedived towards the wrong end of the table, eventually finishing 10th.

But, after missing the Super League play-offs for the second successive season, they are already geared up for a fresh start under new coach Mick Potter.

The Bulls have signed 11 new players as they bid to turn things round after two sorry seasons.