Bulls tie up Tupou deal

Bradford Bulls have confirmed the signing of New Zealand international Tame Tupou.

The 17-stone Brisbane Broncos winger, 24, has agreed a four-year contract with the club as a replacement for Lesley Vainikolo after being released by his Australian employers.

"We are delighted to have captured Tame for the Bulls," said coach Steve McNamara. "He is a high quality player who will add to the talent we already have at Bradford. He has all the attributes - size, strength, power and pace and I am sure he will make a big impact at the club."

Although he was Brisbane's joint-top try-scorer last season, Tupou was left out of their Grand Final-winning side and did not face St Helens in the World Club Challenge in February.

"I'm hoping to be over once my work permit is sorted and can't wait to get playing for Bradford," said Tupou.

"That should all be sorted by the middle of next week and, once that's done I'll be straight over there. Bradford are doing great at the moment. I've seen a couple of games already and they're at the top of the table.

"Hopefully I can get back to playing some good footy but I just want to get there and concentrate on training well first."

Tupou, who played in the Tri-Nations last year, is the latest in a long line of Kiwis to play at Odsal following on from the likes of Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape, Joe Vagana and Robbie and Henry Paul.

Vainikolo, who has an amazing try tally of 140 in 144 appearances for the Bulls, is expected to complete a cross-code move to Gloucester at the end of May and could play alongside Tupou in the short-term.