BRADFORD BULLS have announced the signing of former Hull FC and Wigan prop forward Epalahame Lauaki on a two-year contract.
Lauaki, 30, arrives from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent the majority of last season after departing Wigan at the end of 2013.
Prior to joining Wigan, the New Zealand and Tonga international played with New Zealand Warriors before joining Hull FC in 2009 and spending three seasons in East Yorkshire while also representing the Exiles on two occasions.
The cousin of former Provident Stadium star Tevita Vaikona, Lauaki is relishing the prospect of returning to the UK.
“I am so excited to be joining such a big and well-known club like Bradford,” said Lauaki.
“I believe I will bring some experience and toughness to our team and I cannot wait to get started.
“The Championship is a challenge I am looking forward to. We will be going up against some good teams, who will be certainly looking forward to playing us.
“There is a really solid squad in place at Bradford but I want to be in the 17, which means I have plenty of hard work ahead of me.”
Bulls head coach James Lowes is delighted to have signed Lauaki, insisting the Kiwi has the ability to “wreak havoc” in 2015
“Epalahame is an extremely talented individual and we are really pleased to have secured his services,” said Lowes.
“He has an explosive approach and comes with an ability to wreak havoc in short spells.
“Epalahame gives us something I believe we don’t currently have. He certainly adds to an already impressive squad and will prove vital for some of our young and upcoming forwards.
“We have a young roster, so the experience he brings will certainly help aid the future progress of the likes of Dan Fleming, Samir Tahraoui and Karl Davies.”
