After a saga that panned out even longer than the GI saga, we’ve finally reached a conclusion. A conclusion that will see former Storm and Sea Eagle Matt Orford playing for the Raiders.
Orford, who is 32, will act as a mentor to the younger halves in Josh McCrone and Sam Williams, as he starts training with his new club 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,” the former Manly and Melbourne star said after signing a one-year deal.
“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.”
With Terry Campese out of action until at least Round 8 due to a serious knee injury sustained last season, for Raiders coach David Furner, signing Orford is the boost that the Raiders needed to gain stability in their halves.
“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.”