LESLEY Vainikolo taking the adulation of Bulls supporters at Odsal became a familiar sight during his glorious five-and-a-half-year stint in the red, amber and black.

Almost eight years since he last graced the hallowed turf as a player, the man nicknamed 'The Volcano' remains iconic.

That much was clear after last Sunday's win over Doncaster when Jimmy Lowes' players joined fans on the pitch for a post-match barbecue.

Much of the attention was on the unmistakable presence of Vainikolo. Supporters young and old asked the try-scoring phenomenon for an autograph, a handshake, a picture or simply a moment of his time.

Each request was fulfilled with a smile and it is clear the imposing Tongan's feelings for the club run deep.

"This is where my dream started," said the record-breaking winger, who became a cult hero after scoring 149 tries in 152 appearances for the Bulls.

"It started small and grew very big, so I'll always take the memories of Bradford with me wherever I go. I love coming back here and I will always look out for the Bulls' results.

"I have roots here now and I always have to come back to Bradford, whether it be for the day or even just a few hours."

Big Les will be in attendance again for this Sunday's visit of Dewsbury and it will be his last visit to Odsal for some time.

The 36-year-old and his family are heading home to New Zealand to live permanently and Vainikolo, in his own words, will look to find a proper job.

"My family and I are heading back home for good now, so it's time to say goodbye to everyone," said Vainikolo.

"I've been at La Rochelle in France as a player-coach for the last couple of years. I have enjoyed myself but it's time to go home now as I've been away too long.

"I'm going home to south Auckland to see my mum and all my family. It will be emotional because, while I've been back before since I left for Bradford in 2002, this time I'm heading back there for good."

Vainikolo's job hunt will begin in earnest and he wants to help aspiring young rugby players in an academic environment.

He explained: "I'm trying to get into schools and coach players there. I've seen a lot of talented players who come out of school and they don't go on to achieve what they should do.

"I would like to act as a mentor and give them experience of what is to come when they leave school and what is required to become a professional player in rugby union or rugby league.

"My rugby career has been the realisation of a great dream but now it has finished. That dream could only last no more than 20 years, so now it's time to try and give something back.

"The time has come to enter the real world and that means heading home and trying to find a job, as well as putting my family first."

Vainikolo joined the Bulls from Canberra Raiders and made his competitive debut in the 2002 World Club Challenge win against Newcastle Knights.

He recalled: "I got injured when I was at Canberra, I tore my pectoral muscle, and I wanted a fresh start. Bradford came along and gave me that opportunity. They were doing really well at the time and it just went from there.

"You had the likes Robbie (Hunter-Paul) and Joe Vagana at Bradford and guys at other clubs such as Willie Poching at Leeds. Even though some of the guys played at a different club, the Kiwis, Tongans, Samoans and all the other island boys stuck together.

"That kept the family going – and it showed as we became best friends on and off the field. Where we come from, we value that a lot because family is a really big thing in our lives.

"We are all very close and you can see that here at Bradford with the players that are here now. The Bulls are a family club and I've always said that."

Vainikolo's last match at Odsal was on June 17 in 2007 against Hull, a 34-8 win.

The late Terry Newton took the limelight with four tries but Vainikolo was allowed a parting shot when he was given the chance to convert a last-minute try from regular kicker Paul Deacon; the first goal of his career and his only two-point score for the Bulls.

He signed off by helping the club to a famous win at Leeds Rhinos before returning to Headingley to make an incredible rugby union debut for Gloucester three months later.

This time he scored five tries as Gloucester beat Leeds Carnegie 49-24 and he went on to represent England at international level.

Big Les was left hugely impressed by the Bulls' demolition of Doncaster last week and said: "I've seen a really good mix throughout the team. Jimmy (Lowes) is doing really well – and seeing Karl Harrison brought back memories too.

"The president (Marc Green) is doing well with the club and last week was the first time I have seen all the supporters on the field and having a barbecue.

"It's always good to give something back to the supporters and Robbie is doing really well, along with Rob Parker.

"There is a good team off the field at the club and, thank God, the supporters have stuck by us through thick and thin. Hopefully we can get back to where we belong at the end of this season."