Volcano is poleaxed

The giant Kiwi winger struck unlucky again after pulling a quad muscle off-loading a pass against St Helens.

He was also knocked out in the incident in the "unluckiest year of my career".

Despite arriving at the Bulls in a shower of media hype, the Volcano has been largely reduced to a trickle due to a series of unfortunate injuries limiting him to just five starts.

The 21-year-old Tongan-born star has performed well in his brief appearances, scoring three tries, but is frustrated by his continual injuries.

His latest try came just 31 seconds into the match against St Helens, but his delight at returning to the first-choice 13 was tempered by leaving the field early.

"Every time I get back in the starting line-up, I get injured again," said Vainikolo, a former sprinter.

"It is very frustrating for me, I have never had so many injuries in one season. "When I have played, I was happy with what I did, and I just want a run in the team.

"I have got a few tries but I am never around long enough to hold down a place in the team.

"But it can happen to anyone, other people have struggled in their first season at a new club in a new country.

"I can't wait to get fit again and get back in the side. The other lads have been great but I just want to play and show everyone what I can do.

"It is hard spending all this time out of the side, I'm getting bored of limping."

Coach Brian Noble said: "You have to feel sorry for the lad.

"He is desperate to play and make an impression with the fans, but he keeps getting hit with these unlucky injuries. It must be hard for him, he is a young lad and every time he looks like he is back in the side, he goes down again.

"He is a very useful option to have and as you saw on Saturday, we look to get the ball out to him early, but he will miss out again now.

"It has been the worst possible start for us in terms of injuries. It is incredible the number of knocks we have suffered."