Wednesday 3rd March 10

Bradford Bulls’ new playmaker Matt Orford will be out to make the return of predecessor Paul Deacon as uncomfortable as possible when table-toppers Wigan Warriors visit Odsal on Friday night.

Australian Orford was signed as a direct replacement for the Wigan-born Deacon when the Bulls’ goal-kicking scrum-half joined his hometown team in a shock move last November.

Deacon, who smashed the club’s goals and points records in a glorious 12-year spell at Bradford, makes a quick return with his new club and comparisons will inevitably be made with his successor.

“You don’t often go head to head with your half-back opponent - it’s going to be a big battle in the forwards - but we’ve both got important jobs to do,” said Orford.

“He’s coming back to Bradford for the first time and he’ll have some fond memories. I hope I can make it uncomfortable for him.”

Orford know the Bulls face a big test of their recently-improved form against the only team with a 100% record after four rounds of Engage Super League.

The Warriors have yet to taste defeat under new coach Michael Maguire, who is well known to Orford from their time spent together at Melbourne Storm.

“It’s very clear they’re the benchmark so far,” said Orford. “They’re on fire. They’re refreshed and focused under a new coach so we’ve definitely a massive challenge on our hands. It’s going to be very exciting.

“I played under Michael Maguire at Melbourne and he’s a very smart operator. He has a good rapport with the players and that’s what you need to be a very good coach.

“They’re very methodical in what they do and they’re going to get better and better.”

Bradford have recovered well from a nightmare performance in their first home game of the season, when they were crushed 38-6 by St Helens.

They followed up a comfortable victory over Castleford Tigers by grinding out a 7-0 win at Salford City Reds last Friday and Orford believes the club have started to turn the corner.

“We’re getting there,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do because we’re far from perfect. But we know we have the talent and what we need to do, it’s a matter of executing it.

“Last week was one of those scores very rarely seen. They were pretty tough conditions but we got a good, tough work-out. It was pretty positive, good for the character of the team.”

Orford, who is four matches into a three-year contract, turned his hand to coaching at Odsal this week when he led a Sky Sports Living for Sport masterclass for students from Dixons Allerton Academy in Bradford.

The scheme, available free to all secondary schools in the country, uses sport to motivate and inspire 11- to 16-year-olds and the 2008 NRL Grand Final winner was delighted to play a part.

“It’s a really positive initiative which motivates and inspires thousands of young people through sport,” he said.

“For me, it’s about having a bit of fun and giving something back to the community. I’ve always had an interest in that side of the game and it’s something I’d definitely love to do.

“I’ve still a lot to learn but, if I can help young kids along and have an impact on their careers, it will give me great satisfaction.”