Lauaki is a Christmas gift for Bulls

Bradford have signed former Wigan and Hull forward Epalahame Lauaki on a two-year deal.

Lauaki, 30, arrives from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent the majority of last season after departing the DW Stadium.

He said: “I am so excited to be joining such a big and well-known club like Bradford.

“I believe I will bring some experience and toughness to our team and I cannot wait to get started.

“The Championship is a challenge I am looking forward to. We will be going up against some good teams, who will be certainly 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.”

Lauaki, who played twice for the Exiles in International Origin, is the cousin of former Bulls favourite Tevita Vaikona.

Coach James Lowes 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.”