kirkamania6 wrote:Matt Orford could turn out to be another Phil Bailey. He is nearly 31, would want a rather large salary, could just be looking for a holiday, although if he did come to play rugby instead of a holiday he would be a great addition and it would be great for him to partner and mentor Sam Tomkins in the halves
I don't think Matt Orford will be anything like Phil Bailey. Matt Orford is a world class player who has a big reputation in the NRL. Phil Bailey is neither a world class player and I don't remember him coming over with any reputation.
Matt Orford has also won the Dally M Medal, the greatest individual honour in Australian rugby league.
Another Phil Bailey?
The last bit of the post you've quoted is the way I see it. He has captained Manly Sea Eagles to a premiership and will be 31 and played well over 200 NRL games. So already he will bring two things we're lacking. Leadership and experience. As you mentioned he will be a fantastic mentor to Sam Tomkins and could form a really good partnership with the lad.
I see Tommy Leuluai as a hooker if we did sign him which would give us a quality 6 , 7 and 9. Something which I don't think we've had since 2002.
So let's say we didn't get a fullback for 2010 and just bought a top class prop forward and stand off.
Pat Richards
Amos Roberts
Karl Pryce/Darrell Goulding
George Carmont
Sean Ainscough
Sam Tomkins
Matt Orford
Andy Lynch/Luke Bailey
Thomas Leuluai
Stuart Fielden
Sean O'loughlin
Gareth Hock
Joel Tomkins
---------------------------------------------------
Feka Paleaasina
Mark Riddell/Michael McIlorum
Paul Prescott/Eamon O'carroll
Harrison Hansen/Lee Mossop
So that would mean we would have released - Mathers, Bailey, Phelps, Smith and Coley.
And brought in Andy Lynch and Matt Orford. (Only one aussie
)