Orford's early exit will come at a price, say Bulls

The ex-Manly and Melbourne player has asked to be released less than 12 months into his three-year deal at Odsal with Parramatta and Canberra believed to be courting him.

Orford, 32, is currently in Sydney recovering from the shoulder surgery that had kept him sidelined since May but the West Yorkshire club have told him he does not have to return for pre-season on Monday as his expected departure edges closer.

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

"We've granted Matt dispensation to remain where he is, which means he'll not be reporting for pre-season training as was originally planned.

"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."

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have settled their 164,000 tax bill with HM Revenue and Customs and identified Sir Rodney Walker as the man who came up with the funds.

The club announced last week that an anonymous benefactor would pay off their petition if they gained planning permission for their proposed new stadium in Stanley.

Wakefield Council granted that on Friday and Wildcats yesterday named Walker – who is chairman of the Wakefield & District Community Stadium Trust – as the individual who has since squared the debt.

Castleford Tigers' Michael Shenton could not hide his despair after being told his Four Nations involvement is over. The centre, who joins St Helens next season, will fly home after watching the tourists in action against Australia on Sunday.

He injured an ankle in the defeat versus New Zealand and – although it does not require surgery – misses the rest of the tournament.

"The only upside is my injury gives someone else their opportunity so this has probably made someone's tournament and ruined mine," he said.