Bulls chief Steve McNamara today lauded Shontayne Hape as one of the world's finest players before insisting: He'll get even better.

The dazzling centre has bagged 74 tries in just 106 games since arriving from New Zealand Warriors, proving a massive hit in engage Super League.

Hape has wowed crowds, struck fear into opposition ranks, helped Bulls to a cupboard-full of trophies while going on to establish himself as a mainstay of the Kiwi international side.

Remarkably, though, the thoroughbred three-quarter is still only 24 and McNamara reckons he is nowhere near his peak.

"There's no doubt I think Shontayne Hape is developing into one of the best outside backs in world rugby," said the Odsal boss.

"He carries the ball with the power of one of the strongest forwards but still has the agility and speed of one of the best backs around.

"Defensively he hits real hard and Shonny is comparable at this stage to anyone here, in New Zealand or Australia. He is now proven in the Test arena.

"Since I joined the club a few years ago, he's thickened out and has got a lot bigger and stronger than he originally was. He was pretty good when he arrived here to start with but now has all the attributes and is maturing as well as becoming an experienced leader on and off the field."

Ever-present Hape finished with 22 touchdowns last season despite playing in a side that struggled to fire consistently.

But McNamara reckons his class will shine through more than ever in Super League XII following the acquisition of Kiwi team-mate David Solomona.

The star second-rower has arrived in a £90,000 deal from Wakefield and is seen as the man who could make left-sided strike duo Hape and Lesley Vainikolo even more prolific.

McNamara is excited by the prospect.

He said: "We have a heavy reliance on Shonny being our creator; if we need something to happen, we tend to get the ball to him and see if he can produce.

"This year though he'll certainly get some help from David Solomona down the left.

"If Shonny gets himself in the best physical condition - and he is - then I can see him making lots of breaks off that and score a hatful of tries.

"We all saw how Solomona helped (former Bulls centre) Ryan Atkins make his mark at Wakefield last year.

"With his own physicality and skill inside it will certainly take the pressure off Shonny, who could reap the rewards."