I'll repay the faith, says fit-again OrfordA fully fit Matt Orford is determined to prove the doubters wrong and justify the Raiders' continued faith in him.
Canberra coach David Furner has reinstated the much-maligned 33-year-old to the No 7 jersey for Sunday's NRL clash against the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium.
Orford has missed the past fortnight with a lower back injury he suffered in the round-five loss to the Penrith Panthers.
The 2008 Dally M Medallist said he had been prepared to have painkilling injections to retain his place in the team. However, he supported Furner's cautious approach to the injury over the past two weeks.
''There were definitely injuries there,'' Orford said. ''I could've played, but I would've been half busted.
''I understand the coach's point. We spoke about it.
''The benefit for the team was to have a fully-fit squad.
''I was keen to play both weeks. [But being a playmaker] if you get a knock or there's a strain or something happens, it's such a vital spot that you can't carry another halfback on the bench. The coach made the right call.
''If I thought I was ever in doubt or there was ever a possibility of something going wrong, I wouldn't put myself before the team.''
Orford has borne the brunt of the criticism about the Raiders' dreadful start to the season.
His four appearances have all been defeats.
The Raiders also lost their past two games, with Sam Williams at halfback, to leave Canberra alone at the bottom of the ladder.
Orford was touted as one of the most significant signings in the club's recent history, especially in the absence of injured five-eighth Terry Campese. An injury-interrupted pre-season has not helped Orford's cause.
He completed all of yesterday's training session to suggest his sparkle may be returning.
Despite having his left knee strapped, Orford said he was fully fit and keen to silence his critics.
''I'm never going to doubt my ability, I've been around for a while,'' said Orford, who made his first-grade debut with the Northern Eagles in 2000.
''You're always going to cop criticism.
''It does fuel you to keep working on those parts of your game.
''The only way to prove people wrong is to get out there and play good football for team.
''If I'm doing the right thing for the team, that's the most important thing for me.''
The Raiders' top-eight aspirations are slipping away with only one win from seven games
Orford said this lean stretch had the potential to strengthen the team's resolve.
''I think this builds character,'' he said. ''What we're going through is a really tough period that probably they [the Raiders' young players] hadn't been through before.
''Once you come through the other side, a win will be much sweeter.''
Orford said he remained committed to honouring his two-year contract with the Raiders, which expires at the end of next season.
Source: The Canberra Times
Topic: I'll repay the faith, says fit-again Orford
