Matt Orford - Short But Powerful, The Ox

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sam_Chalmers]Sam Chalmers
Matthew Orford, or popularly known as Matt Orford or "Ox", was born on April 22, 1978 in Gosford, Australia. Matt the "Ox" is presently one of the most famous National Rugby League players. This five foot nine player is currently signed with the Canberra Raiders as the halfback.
Rugby League is really Matt's thing. Even before he finished high school, he was already playing rugby league. He gained his skills when he was still with the North Sydney Bears back in junior high. He showed great enthusiasm for the sport that was why after high school, the Northern Eagles immediately signed him to play for them.
He switched to different teams when his career was still starting. He was signed to play for the Melbourne Storm, and after that, he was again signed to another team, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
In the 2006 season, he became captain of the Sea Eagles. Signing for the team became a big opportunity for Orford. He being the captain was unfortunate for the team though, because in the 2007 season they had a tragic loss against his previous team, the Melbourne Storm.
In the 2008 National Rugby League grand finale though, he had an excellent comeback. Being the team captain once again, he then leaded their victory to the Melbourne Storm. During this season, he showed real perseverance and determination. Everyone noticed his improvement game after game.
In that same year, Matt Orford won the Dally M Medal Award. The 2008 season was a lucky season for Ox, as he was also voted as the best player of the season and he gained a premiership award. His extreme determination really paid off. Having gained the premiership award and the Dally M Medal in one same year, he was put to the National Rugby League hall of fame, because only he and Peter Sterling got those two awards in a year. 2008 was a fruitful and lucky season for Matt Orford.
He continued to being the best player when he was considered one of the most promising players in the Manly's World Club Challenge in 2009. Their team won in the challenge against the Rhinos.
In 2010, because of his excellent skills and prominent playing abilities, he was exclusively signed for the Bradford Bulls for a three-year contract. His career was continuing to rise up and he was becoming more and more popular in the world of Rugby League. Unfortunately, his prime season did not go as planned. He was forced to end the contract because he suffered a shoulder injury that required a major surgery. After the incident, he was released by the Bulls for him to return to his home country, Australia.
In January 2011, Matt Orford was officially released by the Bradford Bulls. His career never ended there, because after his official contract release, he immediately signed on the same day with the Canberra Raiders.
For more information on   Matt Orford you should check out his profile on Footysocial at http://www.footysocial.com.au/players/mattorford
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Matt-Orford---Short-But-Powerful,-The-Ox&id=6563454] Matt Orford - Short But Powerful, The Ox