BRADFORD & Bingley’s director of rugby Martin Whitcombe was delighted with big-name signing Fuifui Moimoi’s efforts on his debut.

“He did everything that we expected of him,” said Whitcombe of the 38-year-old New Zealand and Tonga rugby league international’s appearance in a 38-12 defeat at West Hartlepool in North One East.

“He is playing for us through his friendship with Richard Tafa (Bees’ second-team coach) and we are just grateful to have him for as long as we can while he waits for another club.”

Moimoi, who became a club legend with Parramatta Eels, for whom he played 201 games, has also played for Leigh Centurions in the Championship and was gearing up for another season at that level with Toronto Wolfpack until he was sent home from a pre-season camp in Portugal, along with Ryan Bailey and Dave Taylor, earlier this month.

Whitcombe added: “We tried to keep Fuifui’s signing quiet before facing West Hartlepool, but it is very difficult these days with social media. However, I am not sure that many up there knew about him as it is not a rugby league hotbed.”

Bradford & Bingley put themselves in a decent position at half-time at West Hartlepool, as they only trailed 14-5, but they faded away in the second half as both the scrum and line-out – normally areas of strength – became causes for concern.

“That was the disappointing thing – that we got nothing from the game,” said Whitcombe, “but unavailability is killing us.

“Every week we have four or five changes. For example, Mat Cochrane wasn’t available and neither were Harry Jeffrey nor Richard Hughes.”

The Bees are only two points above a relegation berth, although Percy Park have played a game less.

“Every game is a big game now,” said Whitcombe.