Bulls lead charge for Tupou

Bradford are poised to sign New Zealand Test winger Tame Tupou following his release by Brisbane Broncos.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut for the Kiwis in last year's Anzac Test, has been lined up to replace Lesley Vainikolo, who is expected to become the latest player to switch codes by joining Gloucester.

Tupou made 18 appearances for the Broncos in 2006 but was dropped for the NRL Grand Final and has not played for them this season.

"He's got a start over there and we've let him go," Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen told Australia's Sunday Telegraph.

At 17 stone, Tupou is seen as an ideal replacement for Vainikolo, who has lived up to his nickname of the 'Volcano' during his explosive seven-season stint in Super League.

The Tongan powerhouse is contracted to the Bulls until the end of the 2009 season but has expressed an interest in trying his hand at rugby union, and Bradford are thought ready to release him once they secure a work permit for Tupou.

Vainikolo, who turns 28 next Friday, has scored 139 tries in 143 appearances since joining Bradford from Canberra in 2002.