Manly hooker Heath L’Estrange is relishing joining team-mate Glenn Hall in Bulls colours next season.
The club today confirmed they have signed the Aussie on a two-year deal.
Prop Hall has already announced his decision to move to Bradford in 2010 and L’Estrange follows admitting the pack duo are both eager to make an impression on Super League.
“Bradford’s a great club and I can’t wait to get there,” said 24-year-old L’Estrange.
“Me and Glenn have talked about it and we’re both the same. Hopefully we can help get the winning culture back there.
“I’ve always wanted to play for Bradford. I liked them when I was younger and thought, while I’m still young, I want to take this opportunity while I’ve got it. Now I want to get over there and rip in to Super League.”
Like Hall and current Bulls star Steve Menzies, L’Estrange was part of the Manly side that won the NRL Grand Final last season.
He has been the interchange hooker for the Sea Eagles during the last two campaigns, proving a big hit since joining from Sydney Roosters.
However, with Terry Newton departing at the end of the campaign, L’Estrange is set to fight it out with Wayne Godwin for the starting role at Odsal.
He said: “Newton’s been around a while and I’ve been watching him since he was at Wigan and Bradford. He’s a great player and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.
“With Manly it was a great year last season and we capped it off with a great Grand Final. Now I want to keep it going and win some more premierships with Bradford too.
“Steve McNamara knows from Des (Hasler) I’m a hard worker and I’ll be bringing that and a bit of speed and agility to the Bulls.”
Coach McNamara is delighted with the club’s second acquisition for 2010.
He said: “Heath’s a quality hooker and a quality person. Obviously, he’s a replacement for Terry and I’m excited by what he can provide for us when he gets over here.
“I reckon he’ll be very good on and off the field. He’s another Grand Final winner and was part of the squad that won the World Club Challenge earlier this year.
“He played very well in that match against Leeds and is still only 24, so he’s at the perfect age and I’m excited about him coming to the Bulls. I think him and Wayne Godwin will complement each other really well.”
Meanwhile, L’Estrange – whose great, great grandfather was French – revealed he has already stepped out at Odsal.
He attended a function when Manly were over here for the World Club Challenge but said: “ I went over to England as a kid with the Australian Schoolboys and we had a look at Odsal back then.
“We met Lesley Vainikolo and spoke to a lot of the big players like that and had a little walk around the place before playing at Leeds.
“I was a big fan and had all the Bulls jerseys, so that was a great time. Now I can’t wait to play there as a Bull.”
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