In demand Australian halfback Matt Orford has officially requested a release from the remaining two years of his contract with English Super League club Bradford, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old former Manly and Melbourne star returned to Australia before the end of his first English Super League season to undergo shoulder surgery and has found himself in big demand, prompting the premiership winning halfback to seek a move back to the NRL.

Parramatta and Canberra are both believed to be in the market for an experienced half, with the Raiders especially keen following the serious knee injury suffered by star five-eighth Terry Campese in the NRL finals series.

The Bulls have responded to the request by allowing Orford to remain abroad beyond his anticipated return date of November 1, with the club due to hold talks with the player's representative next week.

The English side insist Orford will only leave if suitable compensation can be agreed.

"I will be speaking to Matt's manager next week when he returns to Australia from the United States," Bulls chairman Peter Hood said.

"In the meantime, we have granted Matt dispensation to remain where he is, which means he will not be reporting for pre-season training on November 1 as was originally planned into his injury rehabilitation schedule.

"In the event that we do agree to Matt's release we shall certainly be retaining his registration until such time as appropriate compensation can be agreed.

"Meanwhile, we remain focused on building a highly competitive squad for next season and beyond."

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