Manchester City fan Adam Henry admits he cannot wait to run out at the home of the newly-crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.
The Bulls face Huddersfield at the Etihad Stadium aiming for only their second Magic Weekend win in eight years since the event was introduced in 2007.
Henry arrived in England during the off-season from Sydney Roosters and has played every game for Francis Cummins’ men so far this year.
“I knew about the Magic Weekend before I joined the Bulls but the boys soon told me more about it,” said the 23-year-old New Zealander.
“I follow Man City, not because they won the league but because Mario Balotelli used to play for them.
“He used to get up to some mischief when he was a City player and I always liked him.
“The boys back home always played FIFA and when we had competitions I chose Man City because of Balotelli.
“It will be fantastic to play at the Etihad Stadium for the Bulls on Sunday.
“My sister’s boyfriend (Eddy Purcell) played for Samoa in the World Cup last year and the squad went to watch a Man City game when they were over here.
“He told me it was amazing and I’ve seen the pictures, which looked unreal.
“I can’t wait for Sunday’s game and it will definitely be the highlight of my career.”
Henry has a fine pedigree, having played for the New Zealand Warriors and been part of their under-20s side which won the championship in 2011.
The former Junior Kiwi centre then made the switch to Sydney and played regularly for the Newton Jets in the New South Wales Cup before coming to the attention of the Bulls following a recommendation from ex-Bradford coach Brian Smith.
“Obviously I just wanted to get an opportunity first and foremost but I’ve been lucky enough to hold down my spot,” said Henry.
“I’ve been moved around a bit but as long as I’m in the 17, that’s all that really matters to me.
“I definitely know that I can perform a little bit better but, with the way things have been going lately, we don’t get too much ball in the backs.
“But I still know what I can do for this team, even though I haven’t really had many opportunities to show that. I can definitely say that it’s coming, though.”
Henry penned a two-year deal and is hoping to help the Bulls avoid relegation and fulfil his contract.
“I definitely want to stay in the UK and if for some reason we go down, then I’ll still only be 23,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot more to see over here, all over Europe, but the best scenario for me would be to help the Bulls stay up and stay here.
“I definitely think we can avoid relegation because teams have seen what we can do.
“I know that we have the squad to do it – it’s just whether we want to put our heart into it.”
Despite the upheaval behind the scenes at Odsal since Henry arrived during pre-season, he is loving life in West Yorkshire.
“I’ve settled very well and I get on really well with the all the boys here,” he said.
“I’m still lodging with Adrian Purtell in Leeds but now I’ve got my own wheels I’m looking for my own place.
“In my spare time I tend to play a bit of basketball and spend time with the Manuokafoa family.
“I’ve missed that family feeling being away from home but Nas, his wife and their son always invite me around to stay over. That’s been great for me.”
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