Orford joins Raiders for training

Matt Orford‘s return to the NRL with Canberra could be imminent, after Raiders bosses confirmed the former Manly halfback is due to start training this week.

Orford, 31, is yet to secure a full release from his contract at Bradford but will join the Raiders’ squad for pre-season trainining on Wednesday.

“The Raiders are a team on the rise and the way they finished the season last year shows they will be in the running again in 2011,” Orford said.

“They have some exciting young players coming through and it would be a fantastic opportunity to play alongside the likes of Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Daniel Vidot.”

Raiders Coach David Furner meanwhile, said he was pleased to be able to welcome a player of Orford’s ability to the club.

“Matt’s proven over a number of seasons that he’s one of the most experienced and quality halves in the game,” Furner said. “Having his experience in our young backline playing behind our big forward pack would be a huge step for us this season.”

If the deal is completed, Orford will battle it out with current first choice halfback Josh McCrone and provide back up following Marc Herbert‘s decision to sign with Bradford.