POWERHOUSE prop Epalahame Lauaki has been tipped to “wreak havoc” after joining the Bulls on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old wrecking ball becomes the seventh front-rower in Jimmy Lowes’ squad, joining Paul Clough, Adam Sidlow, Samir Tahraoui, Dan Fleming, Karl Davies and Sam Bates.
Lauaki arrives from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent the majority of the 2014 campaign after leaving Wigan in January.
Prior to joining Shaun Wane’s side, the New Zealand and Tonga international enjoyed stints with New Zealand Warriors and Hull FC.
He made 35 appearances for the cherry and whites, scoring twice, and played 56 times for Hull.
Lauaki, the cousin of former Bulls star Tevita Vaikona, also spent four seasons at New Zealand Warriors and made two appearances for the Kiwis and two for the Exiles.
Standing at 6ft and weighing in at almost 18 stone, the acquisition of Lauaki rivals Leigh’s recent capture of Fuifui Moimoi, with the two set to clash in the Championship opener on February 15.
“I am so excited to be joining such a big and well-known club like Bradford,” said Tonga-born Lauaki.
“I believe I will bring some experience and toughness to our team and I cannot wait to get started.
“The Championship is a challenge and I am looking forward to it. We will be going up against some good teams, who will certainly be looking forward to playing us.
“There is a really solid squad in place at Bradford but I want to be in the 17, which means I have plenty of hard work ahead of me."
Lowes now has 30 players at his disposal, with Fleming currently nursing a minor knee injury, which is not expected to keep him out of the start of the season.
The Bulls boss, who saw a move for Mark Offerdahl aborted because of an injury to the USA international, said: “Epalahame is an extremely talented individual and we are really pleased to have secured his services.
“He has an explosive approach and comes with an ability to wreak havoc in short spells.
“Epalahame gives us something I believe we don't currently have. He certainly adds to an already impressive squad and will prove vital for some of our young and upcoming forwards.
“We have a young roster, so the experience he brings will certainly help aid the future progress of the likes of Dan Fleming, Samir Tahraoui and Karl Davies.”
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