English Super League club the Bradford Bulls have confirmed the departure of halfback Matt Orford to the Canberra Raiders.

Orford, 32, who has agreed to join the Raiders in the NRL for 2011, only signed with the Bulls in January last year.

The star signing suffered a shoulder injury in the UK midway through last season and has secured an early release from his three-year contract, with the Bulls refusing to clarify why they have allowed his departure.

"There are valid but strictly confidential reasons why Matt Orford is unable to return to the UK which were unknown to the club last summer when we agreed to his going home for surgery to his damaged shoulder, rather than have the operation here which would have been more usual," Bulls chairman Peter Hood said.

"With the player's permission these reasons have been shared in confidence with the RFL.

"The issues that previously existed are now 'water under the bridge' - both the club and the player can get on with the rest of their lives.

"The club is free to register a replacement player and Matt, who I understand has made a complete recovery from his shoulder operation, can resume his career in Australia."

Orford enjoyed a memorable season in 2008 when he captained Manly to victory over his former club the Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final and won the Dally M Player Of the Year.

The experienced playmaker will fill the void left at the Raiders by star five-eighth Terry Campese, who is expected to miss the majority of 2011 with a knee injury.

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