Well you're working from a presumption that Bradford have not given consent. As I've said before, it maybe that we've said Orford can talk to other clubs but only if we have a suitable replacement already signed up

I'm not working on any presumptions. I asked if anybody knew if it was illegal.

I can't see us letting him go without getting a replacement in return (or money to get one that's under contract)

And if he's been offered a Kings Ransom, how have the Eels got that much room under the cap?

Parramatta must have some cash available as they were chasing Quade Cooper from union. He wouldn't be cheap. Think they lost out on him as its believed he re-signed with Queensland.

Well I trust the club wouldn't let him leave without a replacement lined up.

Mick Potter knows what he's doing - I expect us to have a half back pairing that is fit for SL in 2011.

He was to be the second highest paid player in the NRL - apparently, although they have new salary cap rules for next year.

I can't see Orford attracting that kind of wage.

Your disappointment is noted & appreciated.

Unfortunately knowing what you're doing doesnt always translate into being able to make it happen.

I'm hoping to hear that Russell Crowe has taken Orford's mum on a tour of his latest film set. That way we know a transfer fee is coming.

Orford has met Eels coach Daniel Anderson, apparently. www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 153ch.html

Orford has met Eels coach Daniel Anderson, apparently. www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 153ch.html

Quote ="ABP'"Orford has met Eels coach Daniel Anderson, apparently. www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 153ch.html'" I met Michael Shenton at the cup final. Things do seem to be gaining momentum though

Quote ="ABP'"Orford has met Eels coach Daniel Anderson, apparently. www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 153ch.html'" I met Michael Shenton at the cup final. Things do seem to be gaining momentum though

More news here [url=http://www.bigpondsport.com/eels,-raiders-chase-orford/tabid/91/newsid/60180/default.aspxAussie press release[/url
Things are looking grim

That's just the same article from yesterday but regurgitated. Even the wording is practically identical.

I would be fairly happy if we got £100,000 transfer fee. I thought we got more than that for Burgess though.

I think we only got that mainly due to the fact he only had a year left on his contract. Had he been signed up for longer, I'm sure the figure would have been higher. As it stood though, it was an option of £100,000 now, or sweet FA in a year.

Hadn't he only recently signed a 3 or 4 year extension?

Or am I going mad?

he signed 2 year extension mid 2008 when leeds were sniffing around, which took him upto end of 2011 season but it had a get out clause for NRL at end of this, 2010, season.

Think confusion re amount we got is because a lot of papers reported it as in region of 200k which is what it was in Aus $.

I assume you're talking about Orford? He, signed for three years and still has two years left AFAIK.

Was talking about Burgess.

You're right about Orford.

If we end up releasing Orford from his contract just because he 'doesn't want to be here anymore' that would be crazy.

If Leeds can demand, and looks like they are likely to get, £100k from Parramatta for Eastwood then we should be looking at at least similar for Ox or a pick of a player from the club he moves to in exchange.

Surely not just release for FREE?!?!

Orford can buy out his own contract.

But surely only if we allow him too?

if orford came to us and offered to buy his contract out would there be any point is us refusing the offer?. If it got to that stage it would be pretty obvious that he wouldnt be commited if we forced him to stay.

Agreed, although at this stage Eastwood has already stated he wants to leave Leeds and yet they look likely to get £100k for him.

and that could well be the sort of figure that orford is offering us to buy his contract out. Could well be the case that whichever club is looking to sign him is giving him the money to buy his contract out. that way they dont have to publically pay a transfer fee which NRL clubs seem to not like doing from the inferior SL.