Four more years

One of the biggest stars in the game after smashing Super League's single-season try-scoring record last year, Vainikolo had been tempted by a big money offer by Gloucester, believed to be in the region of £200,000 a season. But, in the end, the devout christian decided to stay where he knew he would be happy.

"My wife and I are happy here," said Vainikolo, whose signing was due to be announced at a media conference at Odsal this afternoon.

"I see my future here. I didn't want to go anywhere else. I was going to switch codes but at the end of the day my wife and I decided at the last minute to stay when the Bulls came back with a good deal.

"The only thing that tempted me was a new challenge in a new sport. I would have liked to see whether I could do it.

"But Bradford is a good club, a good environment. The coaching staff and the players are great and I really didn't want to leave."

Vainikolo's signature has been in the bag for some time, providing huge relief for coach Brian Noble, whose squad has badly hit by injury and the sacking of Ryan Hudson for a doping offence.

"It is great news," said Noble. "We've known for a while and it has been hard keeping it a secret. I am pleased for the club and pleased for Les. I think he has made the right decision. The temptation was there for him. It was a genuine offer from rugby union but I don't know if the game would suit him. I don't know if they'd be able to get him enough ball for him to be happy and being happy is a big thing in Les's life.

"He likes the environment here, he likes the surroundings and the club have done very well to keep him."

The deal means the 25-year-old winger will spend the prime of his career at Odsal.

A series of niggling injuries following the off-season knee surgery that forced him out of the Tri-Nations has prevented him from hitting peak form this season. The uncertainty over his long-term future has also been a factor.

"Gloucester approached me at the end of last season, so it was always in the back of my mind," said Vainikolo. "When my wife and I went home we decided on our honeymoon that I would sign with Gloucester. We were just about to sign and then Bradford came along with their offer."

Retaining their best player ahead of the Grand Final rematch against table-topping Leeds on Thursday night is a timely boost for the club.

The Rhinos have included star half back Danny McGuire - who has missed their last four matches with a groin injury - in their 20-man squad for the trip to Odsal.