MATT Orford has not given up on playing again but says it is unlikely to be with Western Suburbs this season despite him joining the Newcastle Rugby League club as an assistant coach.
The 2008 Manly premiership-winning NRL captain and Dally M medallist is coaching the Rosellas halves as he recovers from wrist and groin surgeries.
The 33-year-old Gosford junior, who now lives at Terrigal, was released by the Canberra Raiders in October – one year into a three-year deal.
The split came after an injury-marred season in which Orford played just six games.
He came to Wests via friend and Rosellas fullback Joel Penny, who he played with at North Sydney and in the Central Coast juniors.
Orford’s presence at Wests training has sparked speculation he may play with the Craig Miller-coached side this year, but the former Northern Eagles, Melbourne, Sea Eagles and Bradford halfback said it was not part of the plan.
‘‘No, nothing this year. No, not at all,’’ Orford told the Herald at Wests training yesterday at Harker Oval.
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