Tevita Vaikona is looking forward to the relaxation of playing rugby union after a long, hard season of league.

The 29-year-old Bradford Bulls winger has joined the Bees for league's close season, and said last night after training at Wagon Lane: "It is not like I am playing for a Premiership club or anything like that, and I am expecting it to be easier than league."

It gives the Tongan the chance to play with his fellow countrymen Joe Nau and Chris Halau'ifa, and Vaikona admitted: "That was part of the attraction.

"But I have been watching the Bees play for quite a few years now - even before Joe and Chris played for them - and I know all the lads and I like to socialise with them."

Vaikona, who also supports amateur rugby league, added: "I have got the blessing of the Bulls for this move. They will still be my priority, of course, but I explained to them my reasons for wanting to play for the Bees, and they understood. But my motives are not financial."

The Tongan, whose humour is never far from the surface, said: "I hope I remember to lay the ball on the ground when I am tackled. It would be better if I could run with the ball and then kick it!

"But I have played union both in Tonga and New Zealand, and I played for the Bulls when they won the Middlesex Charity Sevens at Twickenham."