Matt Orford made a winning start to his Bradford career as the Bulls edged out Hull KR 18-16 at Craven Park.
Dobson's miss denies Rovers rescuing a draw at the death
Matt Orford enjoyed a winning start to his Bradford career as the Bulls edged out Super League rivals Hull KR 18-16 at Craven Park.
Scrum-half Orford, signed from Manly on a three-year deal, made an instant impression with his new team by having a hand in three of their four tries.
Rovers crossed the line three times themselves but Michael Dobson's inability to convert Kris Welham's late effort meant the Bulls held on.
However victory came at a cost for coach Steve McNamara, as forward Craig Kopczak suffered a broken leg during the first half of the friendly.
Stuart Reardon was also forced off with a dead leg, though not before the former Warrington player had scored in the corner.
Influential Orford
The winger's try, which came after Orford had set up a score for Michael Worrincy with a neat grubber, put Bradford in front for the first time.
The Robins, who had broken the deadlock through Paul Cooke's fourth-minute try, fell further behind after the break when Langley got on the end of a sublime reverse kick from the influential Orford.
Although some quick thinking by Clint Newton led to Chaz I'Anson touching down to level matters, the Bulls responded through Elliott Whitehead.
Welham did close the gap to two points with a minute to play, leaving it all down to Dobson's trusty boot to grab a draw for the hosts. For once, though, the Australian was off target.
As if defeat wasn't bad enough for Rovers coach Justin Morgan, he saw forward Ben Galea limp off after just two minutes with a knee problem.
