This season's upturn in fitness and form of Bulls star Lesley Vainikolo was emphatically confirmed by his majestic, lung-bursting length-of-the-field charge to open the scoring at Headingley during last Friday's dramatic 18-16 victory over Leeds.

It gave the 24-year-old winger his 16th league try of the season - one ahead of team-mate Leon Pryce - and edged him closer to Huddersfield's former Bulls ace Brandon Costin as the top scorer in Super League with 18 tries.

The performances of 'The Volcano' have shown a marked improvement from last season when, during an injury-ridden start to his Bulls career, he often struggled for consistency.

Now approaching peak fitness, Vainikolo believes he is also ready to hit peak form.

"Last year, I didn't enjoy my footie but now I'm really enjoying it and feel that I'm doing more for the team," said Vainikolo.

"I felt great against Leeds and am happy with my role within the side but I still want to do more, both from a defensive and attacking perspective. I just need to work a bit more on my fitness but I'm feeling good at the moment."

Recent performances from the New Zealand powerhouse have been noticeable for the way in which he and wing partner Tevita Vaikona have both drifted inside, in order to prevent isolation on the flanks.

The Bulls star explained: "Part of my own and Tevita's game-plan is to come inside and help the forwards. It's a team game and you can't expect the forwards to do all the hard work while the backs do nothing.

"Last year, I was getting cold during games - being stuck out on the wing at times - but this year I've been coming in field, getting more involved and doing more work for the team, which has helped me a lot."

Vainikolo also saluted the team spirit which has manifested itself within the Bulls squad and believes that it could prove to be a key factor in the quest for Grand Final success this season, ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with Hull at Odsal.

He said: "That's the great thing about Bradford - the spirit in the squad is superb and we do a lot of team activities off the field as well, such as barbeques and socialising together.

"We have a good blend of youth and experience in the squad and just need to keep going now."

The former Canberra Raiders star, who will doubtless be hoping to add further tries to his impressive tally on Saturday evening, added: "Hull are a strong side and it will be tough but we are top of Super League and after the Leeds match, we can look forward to Saturday with a lot of confidence." The Bulls squad returned to training today in preparation for Saturday's game.

A number of players received treatment yesterday for injuries as Brian Noble looks to shape his depleted squad to face an equally injury-ridden Hull side.

Shaun McRae's men will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's defeat at St Helens, which saw Saints coach Ian Millward launch into a tirade of expletives in the post-match press conference, following his side's gutsy, if unspectacular, 28-18 victory at Knowsley Road.