Orford had been negotiating a new two deal with the Sea Eagles but has decided to take a late offer by Bradford where he will join premiership team mates Steve Menzies, Glenn Hall and Heath L’Estrange. “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. “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’m glad I haven’t had a lot of time to consider the switch. My manager came up with the deal, I thought about it and made the best decision for my immediate future. “I wish Manly all the success in the world. They have some good young halfback prospects that deserve an opportunity in the NRL,” Orford said.

Matt Orford started his first grade career with the Northern Eagles in 2000 and played with Melbourne Storm from 2001-2005 before switching to the Sea Eagles in 2006. He played 229 games in the NRL (98 with Manly) and scored a massive 1,502 points.

Manly Chairman Scott Penn paid a glowing tribute to Matt Orford. “Matt Orford has been a great leader for this football club on and off the field. His effort to lead the club to a premiership in the Centenary season of the game by a record 40 nil score line will go down in Manly folklore. “He is one of a great six players who has captained the side to a premiership,” Penn said. Manly coach Des Hasler said Orford had made a great contribution to the rebuilding of Manly into a powerhouse again. “His consistency, his leadership, his toughness and his football brain made him an integral part of our football club over the past four years. The opportunity for him to go overseas to satisfy another part of his life is something we have to accept and encourage. “There will always be a special place for him at our club and we wish him well,” Hasler said.

Hasler said the process of fitting a new number seven into the Sea Eagles will start immediately with the club’s rookie Kiwi international Kieran Foran and the club’s Queensland Cup player of the year Trent Hodkinson the leading contenders.

“They will get the opportunity they have worked hard for,” Hasler said.