Matabele
Journey Man
In-demand Melbourne halfback Matt Orford has kept everyone guessing despite speculation that the off-contract No.7 will sign with Manly.
The Sea Eagles were expected to officially announce Orford as Manly's new recruit following today's NRL clash against St George Illawarra at Brookvale Oval.
But Orford said he would make a final decision on whether to stay at Melbourne or link with rival bidders South Sydney or Manly after speaking to his manager George Mimis.
The plot thickened when Orford admitted all three clubs were "still in with a shot" and said he would make an announcement "Monday or Tuesday".
Orford said he wanted to "get it done last week" but didn't want an announcement to disrupt Melbourne's preparations for today's NRL clash at Brisbane.
"I'll have a chat to my manager tomorrow. Nothing's been done. It's been the same issues," Orford said following Melbourne's 28-15 loss at Brisbane.
Manly executive chairman Paul Cummings admitted he was "slightly concerned" that Orford had delayed the decision.
Asked about his club's chances of signing Orford, Cummings replied: "I have to be honest with you, the longer it takes, it gives me a slight concern but it's not a major concern.
"I would've liked to have had an answer before today but we haven't and my understanding is that he'll be making an announcement tomorrow.
"I can guarantee you we have not signed anything, nor have we got a `yes' or a `no' yet."
Cummings said he last spoke to Mimis on Saturday.
South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson today said he expected an answer from Orford by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy believed the Storm should have given Orford a deadline after starting negotiations six months ago.
"I think that's one of the mistakes we've made to be quite honest," he said.
"The offer's been on the table for a long time but we didn't want to put too much pressure on him because we want him to stay.
"But Matt obviously sees himself worth more than what we've offered and that's where it stands."
In other news, Cummings confirmed back-rower Sam Harris would be released from the remaining two and a half years of his contract with Manly to join Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.
But Cummings denied his club agreed to the release to make room under the salary cap and increase its offer to Orford.
"It wasn't because of the salary cap. It's no good having a player we can't guarantee a run in the second-row starting side all the time.
"He'd be at best, in our mind, part of the 17."
Meanwhile, Manly forward Ben Kennedy said he would love to see Orford join the club, even if it meant skipper and current No.7 Michael Monaghan being shunted to hooker.
"I think it'd be great if we can get good quality players like him," said the NSW forward.
"If we signed a quality player who was in the back-row I wouldn't give a ****
The Sea Eagles were expected to officially announce Orford as Manly's new recruit following today's NRL clash against St George Illawarra at Brookvale Oval.
But Orford said he would make a final decision on whether to stay at Melbourne or link with rival bidders South Sydney or Manly after speaking to his manager George Mimis.
The plot thickened when Orford admitted all three clubs were "still in with a shot" and said he would make an announcement "Monday or Tuesday".
Orford said he wanted to "get it done last week" but didn't want an announcement to disrupt Melbourne's preparations for today's NRL clash at Brisbane.
"I'll have a chat to my manager tomorrow. Nothing's been done. It's been the same issues," Orford said following Melbourne's 28-15 loss at Brisbane.
Manly executive chairman Paul Cummings admitted he was "slightly concerned" that Orford had delayed the decision.
Asked about his club's chances of signing Orford, Cummings replied: "I have to be honest with you, the longer it takes, it gives me a slight concern but it's not a major concern.
"I would've liked to have had an answer before today but we haven't and my understanding is that he'll be making an announcement tomorrow.
"I can guarantee you we have not signed anything, nor have we got a `yes' or a `no' yet."
Cummings said he last spoke to Mimis on Saturday.
South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson today said he expected an answer from Orford by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy believed the Storm should have given Orford a deadline after starting negotiations six months ago.
"I think that's one of the mistakes we've made to be quite honest," he said.
"The offer's been on the table for a long time but we didn't want to put too much pressure on him because we want him to stay.
"But Matt obviously sees himself worth more than what we've offered and that's where it stands."
In other news, Cummings confirmed back-rower Sam Harris would be released from the remaining two and a half years of his contract with Manly to join Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.
But Cummings denied his club agreed to the release to make room under the salary cap and increase its offer to Orford.
"It wasn't because of the salary cap. It's no good having a player we can't guarantee a run in the second-row starting side all the time.
"He'd be at best, in our mind, part of the 17."
Meanwhile, Manly forward Ben Kennedy said he would love to see Orford join the club, even if it meant skipper and current No.7 Michael Monaghan being shunted to hooker.
"I think it'd be great if we can get good quality players like him," said the NSW forward.
"If we signed a quality player who was in the back-row I wouldn't give a ****