World Cup star Frank Winterstein has become the Bulls’ latest new recruit and vowed to help bring the glory days back to the club.
The Samoa international, who faced Sonny Bill Williams when playing against New Zealand on Sunday, has joined Bradford on a one-year deal.
The imposing second-rower has spent the past two seasons at Widnes following previous spells with Wakefield and Crusaders.
He will join up with Francis Cummins’ squad at the back end of the year following his World Cup involvement and his wedding in Samoa in December.
Winterstein, the second new signing to be announced in the past week following the recruitment of Adam Henry, will move over to West Yorkshire and is currently eyeing property in Pudsey.
Twenty-six-year-old Winterstein, who stands 6ft 4in and weighs over 16st, said: “The Bulls have brought in some good signings and kept a couple of guys who were on loan there.
“They will definitely have a good squad next year and I’m looking forward to moving into the area.
“I’ve met Franny, his coaching team and all the backroom staff. I was really impressed with all the facilities at Tong and what their vision is to go forward.
“It’s a great club and hopefully we can bring it back to its glory days. It’s about gelling as a team and really pushing hard for a play-off spot.”
Winterstein can play in the centres but said: “I’m definitely an edge back-rower.
“I’ve been thrown in at the centre a couple of times but I don’t really mind what happens – whatever is best for the team.”
Cummins has so far recruited Lee Gaskell, Garreth Carvell, Dale Ferguson, Luke George, Henry and now Winterstein.
He also hopes to secure Warrington prop Ben Evans on loan for another season and the Bulls coach said: “Frank is a great signing for us. He is big and powerful but he has great skills and can play in a few positions.
“I was very impressed with him when I met him and I am sure he will prove to be a valuable member of our squad.”
Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul tipped Winterstein to make a big impression at the Provident Stadium in 2014.
He said: “I’m delighted we have completed the signing of Frank for the Bulls.
“He brings to us size skill and now international experience at the highest level.
“I was very impressed with him in the game against New Zealand, a game that, whilst Samoa didn’t win, they certainly put in a sterling performance against the world champions and Frank played a major part in that.
“His recent seasons with Widnes in Super League have shown his talent and I am sure he will be a big asset to the club.”
Winterstein sustained a suspected pectoral injury against the Kiwis on Sunday but is hoping it will not end his involvement in the tournament.
The bulk of Cummins’ squad returned for pre-season training yesterday and underwent fitness testing at Tong.
Meanwhile, the fans forum scheduled for Thursday has been brought forward to tomorrow night so as not to clash with Halloween.
It will take place in the Coral Stand at 7pm.
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