France vice-captain Julien Rinaldi has unfinished business in Super League after signing for the Bulls.
The skilful scrum half/ hooker joins on a short-term deal until the end of June as cover for crocked duo Paul Deacon and Wayne Godwin.
And he can’t wait to get going after being in limbo since leaving Harlequins at the end of last season.
Experienced Rinaldi spent three years with Catalan Dragons before moving there in 2007.
He proved an astute capture for Quins, playing 50 games, but due to the RFL’s new quota rulings wasn’t offered a fresh deal.
“The RFL reversed that ruling later in the season but by that time Quins had their squad in place for 2009,” he explained.
“Most other clubs did as well so it made it harder for me to find another one.
“I’ve been in Australia playing with Manly’s feeder club Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles for the last couple of months.
“Now though, I’m really looking forward to this chance with Bradford.
“I wasn’t ready to leave Super League. I felt I could stay on in the competition and so I’m really happy to be back.
“I’ve only signed for two months but want to give it another crack, help the Bulls get back up the table and hopefully prove I’m worth a longer contract.”
Rinaldi isn’t available for tonight’s home clash with Warrington Wolves as he doesn’t arrive in the country until Monday.
But he should debut at St Helens next Friday – his 30th birthday – and will give Steve McNamara much-needed play-making options.
Although Deacon is nearing a return from knee surgery, hooker Godwin is still six weeks away after his broken leg. Terry Newton has had to regularly play 80 minutes recently but Rinaldi will now complement him and bring fresh impetus off the bench.
“Julien Rinaldi is a French international comfortable playing either at hooker or in the halves,” said McNamara.
“He’s very quick, a good offensive player with a good kicking game as well, so we’re really happy to get him on board.
“There was a need to strengthen the squad. With both Deacon and Godwin injured that put a whole lot of pressure on our halves.
“They’ve done tremendously but we need to give them and the rest some support.”
Ironically, Rinaldi made his Super League debut at Odsal during a brief three-game stint with Wakefield in 2002.
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