Rugby League: Sun and surf nice, but Bradford home for Paul

By CHRIS BARCLAY

TERRIGAL - Robbie Paul drew the curtains, peered through the glare at waves gently breaking on golden sands and admitted, yep: There's no place like home.

Home as in Bradford, Yorkshire. Landlocked, industrial, grim...more blue collar than blue skies.

Sure, Paul is enjoying his place in the sun at the Kiwis training base on the temperate central New South Wales coast.

"I sat up, overlooked the sea....it was unfamiliar circumstances, extremely welcome," Paul said of his view from the team hotel, just a decent punt from the beachfront.

But he will have no regrets when he leaves Newcastle early Saturday morning on a 35-hour journey back to England. After all, his beloved Bradford Bulls have a Super League match on the Tuesday.

No amount of sunshine or dollars can lure the Tokoroa-born world class utility back downunder.

"I would have liked to play in the NRL but love it there. It's my home.

"I helped create Bradford the club and the club helped create me -- Robbie Paul the person.

"There is a mutual respect there between me and the club. We've helped each other in the past and there's still plenty of work to do with one another," said Paul, hinting at a future role in management.

"The club is forward thinking. They have smart people in important positions. It's a place where they want to know -- where to next?"

It's the sort of environment where Paul, an astute businessman, will clearly feel at home.

"They know Bradford has gone from strength to strength but they know it has to continue to grow or it will implode."

Paul is intensely proud of his club's achievements -- and not just those he helps orchestrate on the field.

He missed most of last season with a broken wrist but still managed to play his part in leading the Bulls to the English 'treble' -- the Challenge Cup, premiership and grand final.

Earlier this season Bradford won the world club championship, beating the NRL's Penrith Panthers, although Paul watched from the stands.

But silverware and winners-medals are not just what Bradford is about, reminds Paul.

"We win national awards for our community development -- that's such a huge part of who we are."

The Bulls also run one of the most profitable club lotteries in the country -- and they hit a jackpot of sorts when Paul left Auckland for the north of England in 1994 as an impressionable 18-year-old.

Now he is revered as the club's captain, and, having signed a new three-year contract he is prepared to play out his career with the Bulls. This is his testimonial year.

It is an extra busy time for Paul, who admits his passion for painting has taken a back seat to promotional appearances, a new stint as a radio host -- and answering the New Zealand Rugby League's call.

Although tomorrow's test clashes with the Bulls' Super League defence, Paul had no hesitation jumping on the plane with equally enthusiastic clubmate Lesley Vainikolo.

"We're professional footballers, and international football is what it's all about. I grew up watching tests and it's great to be involved.

"It's like going to war. You do it for the New Zealanders at home and for the legacy of those who went before you."

Paul last jetted down south in 2001 for the 28-10 loss in Wellington and admits times have definitely changed.

"I had a look around yesterday and there's all these babies in this team -- I'm one of the old fellas.

"When I first came into the team I was the baby. I was looking up to the older players, now I'm one of them."

Paul says this maturity will hopefully manifest itself at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

"I have to admit out of all the times I have been chosen to play in these tests, this is the one game that I am most excited about.

"Before I had this fear of playing in these games. Fear of letting down the jumper. Now I have matured."

Given the raw look of the Kiwis halves, Paul realises he will need to take on more responsibility than he has in the past.

Listed at hooker, the Kangaroos expect Paul to pop up at halfback and five-eighth, making the calls to ease pressure on Thomas Leuluai and Sione Faumuina.

Paul has already seen the young duo in action, and is impressed with what he's seen despite the Warriors' horror start to 2004.

"I've got digital (TV) so I've seen four Warriors games this season.

"I love my Saturdays and Sundays. I pre-set the tape, get up at 12 and watch the Super 12, Aussie rugby league then Super League in the evening.

"Do it all again on Sunday....my wife hates it."

- NZPA