Giant Joe Vagana got nasty with himself to help rediscover his top form - and earn another richly-deserved Bulls deal.

The experienced Kiwi prop has signed a new one-year contract and will now remain at Grattan Stadium until the end of 2008.

Long-serving Vagana, 33 next January, thought this would be his final campaign but he returned fitter than ever and has delivered consistently explosive displays to remind everyone of his Super League force.

"You've got to be your own toughest critic to survive in this cut-throat world," said the human wrecking ball.

"You can be a superstar one week, then dropped or out on loan somewhere the next.

"As a player, the off-season is always the hardest part to keep in shape but I came back a lot better than in previous years and that's helped me throughout the season.

"Rugby league's the toughest sport in the world but if you're honest with yourself it goes a long way and I've done that.

"At the start of this year I wasn't expecting another contract and thought this would be my last but we always say never say never'."

Juggernaut Vagana signed from Auckland Warriors in 2001 and notched up his 200th Bulls game at Harlequins earlier this season.

He said: "It's nice to be wanted and I'm really enjoying myself. That shows on the field when I'm doing my stuff and they're a great bunch of guys here.

"I think Macca's first full year at the helm has helped me as well and that's paying dividends. I've never been able to see myself at any other club and I'm really happy to sign another year here."

Boss Steve McNamara handed robust Vagana a 12-month deal last August and has moved quickly to tie up the revitalised player again.

"Joe has been in sensational form and shown tremendous enthusiasm," he said.

"He's in the best physical shape he's been in for a number of years and I am sure that when he decides to retire there will be plenty of relieved front-row forwards in the game. I'm just happy we'll have him for another campaign."

Now Vagana is planning to celebrate by firing into Leeds on Friday, saying: "This is one of the reasons why I signed for another year; these battles against Leeds are what it's all about."

Iestyn Harris has lost his race to be fit for the derby clash. Ben Harris (knee) is in the 20-man squad at the expense of Richie Hawkyard but remains doubtful.

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