Orford signs
on for one more year

Melbourne Storm halfback Matt Orford has put pen to paper and signed a one year deal with the Melbourne Storm this evening.

Orford is holding out to see which bid if any are successful for admission to the NRL in 2006. Orford hails from the Central Coast and if they were successful with their bid, Orford would be the first player signed for the new franchise.

There were strong rumours Orford would be heading to Newcastle if and when Andrew Johns signs with Rugby Union and being one of the hottest prospects on the player market, Orford could have commanded top dollar but his decision to remain with the Storm will give the Melbourne club 12 months to look for a new prospect as insurance for Orford?s possible departure should the central Coast bid be successful.