Orford finally taking control
July 5th 2008 07:26
Thanks all round - Orford (no.7) celebrates another Manly try
Matt Orford last night resembled Clint Eastwood in his mid-twenties.
A young man strapped for action, gun slinging all who stood in his way for authority and victory.
Like a mummy raised from the pits of death itself, Orford took control against the Gold Coast Titans. His team lit up Skilled park with a brilliant display of football that will leave most opponents in the NRL Frightened to say the least.
Last year's grand finalists are stinging everything they come across. They have now won nine of their past ten matches to be sitting pretty at the top of the NRL ladder.
Although it was not all smooth sailing against a gallant Titans outfit missing Scott Prince, once Orford took control, Manly wrapped a blind around the home sides aspirations for an upset.
In the blink of an eye, the Sea Eagles won by twenty and the game was curtains.
In those moments of madness, Orford was the instigator, setting up a try for Jamie Lyon and then creating the miracle ball for Brett Stewart to cross.
Yep, Orford was in control.
While often accused for every crime through the equator in terms of failure under pressure, Orford has thrown the grenade on his critics and is now playing the best football of his career.
Now running with purpose, the Sea eagles captain never says forgive me. If a mistake'e been made on his behalf, Orford will look to put things right. If the man gives away a twenty metre restart, Orford will be the first to snatch responsibility.
Because there has always been one aspect of Orford's game that never seizes to quit. His fighting spirit.
As compulsive as he is for action, Orford's game will always light up a fire of envy inside all who watch the former Storm half play.
The best thing is, he's style never seems to expire, no matter what the situation. Whether it's his persona on or off the field, Orford is the one player Manly fans will have autographs of.
Some flashbacks of Orford's career will suggest a player that doesn't reveal his true instincts when the moment calls upon it the most.
Most that have seen him play will label him as the crack in a brick wall that failed to hold out the Storm in last years grand final.
But things have changed.
Orford is now the leader. The one that rallies all troops together to fight under all circumstances.
Yesterday evening, he proved his worth.
While many predicted a Manly victory, the Sea Eagles were in a spot of bother with twenty minutes remaining.
Down 14-12, Manly were losing their way before Orford published the perfect script to see his side come away very hansome victors.
Born a competitor, Orford jacked up the tempo in search for glory and found more holes in a Titans defence than a trash bag.
Yes, Orford was finally the architect of a Manly victory sweeter than bake sales. His reckless nature to produce when behind on the scoreboard was executed to perfection.
Many critics still have their doubts on Orford's ability to perform on the big stage. Many believe some aspects of his game are still polluted.
But while Manly's barricade for a premiership is still alive and well, The Brookvale brigade will cheer their current leader, hoping for sucess and fortune.
For Orford's intentions have only ever been about victory. The advancements in his game however have come to the fore in 2008.
With every passing match, Orford's reputation for the big time continues to grow. That is why many are funding his favouritisim for the Dally M Medal at season's end.
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