LONDON - Bradford have accelerated the trend for English clubs to line up major signings for next season by recruiting the New Zealand test winger, Lesley Vainikolo, from the Canberra Raiders.
"I am absolutely delighted to acquire a player of Lesley's quality," said the Bradford coach, Brian Noble.
"He is only
22 years old and he can go from post to post and not many people will catch him."
At 6ft 3in (1.89m) and 15st 7lb (98kg), Vainikolo is firmly in the imposing physical mould that Bradford like, but he could also add the element of sheer pace that sometimes seems to be lacking.
The Bulls' chairman, Chris Caisley, said: "Of all the new overseas signings announced so far for next year, Lesley's is a 'stand out' in terms of excitement. He has the size, pace and all-round ability to be to British rugby league what Jonah Lomu is to New Zealand rugby union." Vainikolo has signed a two-year contract.
However, his arrival will mean some juggling of the Bradford squad and the possible departure of Henry Paul.
Their overseas quota is currently full, although that problem could be solved if the Irish-qualified Michael Withers wins his argument to be re-classified as a British player.
Then Paul, who has a residential exemption from the quota, could depart when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Bradford are well-served on the wings by Tevita Vaikona and Leon Pryce, but if Paul left it would give Pryce the chance at stand-off which he craves and create a vacancy for Vainikolo.
Paul is being chased by a number of rugby league clubs in Australia and also by rugby union in his native New Zealand.
He has promised to tell Bradford his intentions after his trip home to play against Australia on July 13.
- INDEPENDENT
