Orford cleared for Bulls switch
Former Manly Sea Eagles captain Matt Orford cleared for switch to Bradford Bulls
Thursday, 17, Dec 2009 11:50
By Alistair Potter.
Bradford Bulls' new signing Matt Orford has received clearance to fly from his native Australia to the UK after being granted a visa.
The scrum-half was announced as a Bulls player for the 2010 season last month, subject to the relevant paperwork being completed with the UK border agency.
And after being informed of his clearance, Orford is arranging flights from Sydney to the UK in the next few days with a view to joining the club's pre-season training and making himself available for selection in the January trial games.
Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy said: "We are delighted that Matt's visa has been approved and he is free to take up his Bulls contract.
"Visa applications in Australia have been taking between six and eight weeks to be processed and Matt didn't receive his certificate of sponsorship until November 18th so he has had a relatively quick turnaround in his application."
Orford has spent the four seasons with Manly Sea Eagles, guiding the club to back-to-back NRL finals and victory when he was captain in 2008.
Orford also led Manly in their 2009 World Club Challenge victory over Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.