Super League opponents beware, the Volcano is here, he's fit and he's ready to take the Bulls to further glory this season.

Speaking from the La Manga training camp in Spain, Kiwi Lesley Vainikolo told the Telegraph & Argus he was feeling good and couldn't wait for the new season.

Although he admits the cold of the north of England will come as a shock after basking in the Spanish sunshine, the Volcano is feeling back to his best and is desperate to be given the nod by Brian Noble for the World Club Championship against Newcastle Knights.

"I am feeling good at the moment," said the New Zealand international, out with injury since a Canberra - Brisbane clash in May last year.

"I'm enjoying training and feel healthy and can't wait to play. The coaches have been excellent, they are letting me know what they think I can and can't do. I am not pushing myself too hard but I feel ready to get back into the game.

"I really want to play in front of the crowds again and show them what the Bulls are capable of. It's going to be a good season for us, we'll impress a lot of people."

Vainikolo said he was fitting in with his new colleagues and had enjoyed training.

The Bulls are spending a week at the La Manga base used by the Great Britain squad prior to the Ashes series against Australia two months ago.

Bulls coach Brian Noble is intent on the best preparation ahead of the February 1 clash against the Newcastle Knights. And he's been boosted by the news the Knights will travel from Australia to Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium without star wingers Adam MacDougall and Timana Tahu.

MacDougall inflamed an old groin injury during Australia's Ashes series win against Great Britain while Tahu, a try scorer in Newcastle's 30-24 Grand Final win over Parramatta, has also had surgery for a similar problem.

Both have made good progress during the off-season Down Under but are not expected to face the Bulls. Newcastle coach Michael Hagan said: "They're not really in the frame for the trip, but they'll be right for the start of the new NRL season."

Noble said: "The game against the Newcastle Knights is the most important in the history of the club and it is vital that we are able to get some quality training in preparation for it."

Bradford will also have a warm-up game against Castleford on January 23. They return to Yorkshire on Saturday.