Joe Vagana reckons Leon Pryce will back up his Aussie verbals by inspiring Great Britain to an historic victory.

Former Odsal favourite Pryce has caused uproar Down Under, saying he would rather be in Bradford than Sydney and prefers Blackpool to Bondi Beach.

The Lions winger went on to tell Pommie-bashers "they can keep their country to themselves" in the build-up to tomorrow's Tri-Nations showdown.

The vitriolic Aussie media have typically been launching into the tourists all week but Pryce's unexpected response has whipped up a real storm.

However, prop Vagana - a long-time Bulls team-mate of Pryce's before his St Helens switch - said: "I'm a big friend of Leon and I'll back him on this one.

"He's saying it how it is and he's never been one to sit back and let things rest.

"Good on him. He's sticking up for his own in Bradford.

"I always said if you cut him open he'd bleed the colours of Bradford and it shows.

"I know what he means. Everyone has their own opinions but at times some Aussies do think and say English rugby is second rate."

New Zealander Vagana continued: "These GB v Aussie games are always spicy.

"Now Leon has just got to back it up with some action on the field but I'll say now he'll be man of the match and Britain will win. Go the Lions!"

Bulls hooker Terry Newton is in the Britain line-up at Aussie Stadium as they bid to win Down Under for the first time in 14 years.