Bradford Bulls skipper Robbie Paul is urging fans to roll up to watch rugby's latest "freak" show in tomorrow's World Club Challenge.

The Tetley's Super League champions' showdown with Australian title-holders Newcastle Knights will mark the competitive debut in British rugby league of New Zealand powerhouse winger Lesley Vainikolo.

The 6ft 3in, 15st 7lb former Canberra player, nicknamed 'The Volcano' for his ability to explode into action, provided a brief glimpse of his devastating running by scoring with his second touch of the ball in last Wednesday's Gary Mercer Testimonial match at Castleford Tigers.

And Knights' rookie winger Kurt Gidley - younger brother of Test centre Matthew - looks certain to have his hands full as he prepares to mark the mighty Tongan at the McAlpine Stadium.

"We're going to get Lesley running at everybody," said Paul. "He's a front-rower who can do the 100 metres in under 11 seconds and he's got skills to boot.

"He is one of those few people like Jonah Lomu, Wendell Sailor and Jason Robinson - a freak of nature."

The 22-year-old Vainikolo - a devout Christian who says a prayer in the dressing room before every match - is a typical gentle giant off the field and has clearly made a big impression on his new team-mates.

Paul added: "He is a character and he's gelled straight away. He's a very funny man and the boys love him.

"Because he's so big, everyone is a little tentative around him. They don't want to spark him because you don't know what he's going to do. Imagine if he got angry!

"Everybody tip-toes around him, except those who know him, but even I wouldn't like to make him mad."

Vainikolo himself is hoping to avoid being capped by the Newcastle defence.

"I want to be kissing the tip of that ball," said the gargantuan Tongan-born winger.

"I scored against Castleford and am keen to do it again. I have played many times against Newcastle and would love to run one over on Friday."

The Volcano, a kiwi international, will be hoping to pick up his first winner's medal in the game.

"We have been training hard and can't wait to get out there and show the world what we can do," he added.

"Playing the Australians always means a lot to us New Zealand players."

While Vainikolo is guaranteed a starting spot against Newcastle, coach Brian Noble is playing the guessing game over the rest of his side, and won't announce his squad until later today.

"Pressure from within the squad is forcing me to delay selection," he said. "I wish I could play 19."

Of his side's style of play, Noble said: "We are big lads but we can play as well."

He believes his side have the physical edge over their opponents, who have lost some key players through injury.

"We have a very powerful and big side," he said.

"But we are not just powerhouses, we played some good football last year and you can expect us to again on Friday. With Paul Deacon certain to start at scrum half, Paul looks likely to switch to stand-off, plugging the gap created by the departure of older brother Henry.

Newcastle Knights travelled without a number of key players, particularly out wide, and will be bringing in a number of youngsters.

"We are all looking forward to the game," said Andrew Johns, arguably the best player in the world and the main worry for the Bulls.

"We are a very confident side and are looking to return home as world champions. Since we won the Grand Final there has been talk of this fixture and we just want to get on that field and show what we can do."

Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has named a team containing 12 survivors from the one which beat Parramatta 30-24 at Stadium Australia in the NRL Grand Final in September.

Josh Smith and Gidley come in for injured wingers Adam MacDougall and Timana Tahu, Daniel Abraham takes over from Test second rower Ben Kennedy and there are places on the bench for youngsters Clint Newton and Matt Jobson.

The side will be led by experienced Test scrum half Andrew Johns, recently voted the world's best player, and he naturally represents the biggest danger to the Bulls.

"They are just so strong when he's on his game," admits Paul. "But, having said that, they have some amazing players around him - guys who can win a game for them.

"They also have a good string of young players, and young players are always dangerous."

A crowd of more than 21,000 is expected for the game, up more than 5,000 from last year's clash between St Helens and Brisbane Broncos.