VILA Halafihi is dreaming of helping the Bulls back into the big time after signing a new two-year deal.

The 21-year-old hooker arrived at Odsal last winter on a one-year contract after spending the 2014 campaign playing for Penrith Panthers' under-20s side.

He has made five appearances for Jimmy Lowes' side this term, including his first start against Halifax last Sunday, and is now contracted to the club until the end of 2017.

The boyhood Bulls fan said: "It feels really good to have tied my future down, especially at the club I have grown up supporting.

"I remember the glory days and I want to be part of the team that gets back into Super League.

"With Adam O'Brien already in the hooker position, I was under no illusions that it was going to be hard. I have just stuck at it and had faith that my hard work would pay off.

"I have had a few opportunities this season and have just done what I can in those games. Fortunately, the club have seen enough to extend my deal."

Halafihi has seen off competition from Nathan Conroy, who recently left the Bulls to join Dewsbury on a permanent deal, to firmly establish himself as Lowes' second-choice hooker behind Adam O'Brien.

The youngster, who enjoyed spells in the Castleford and Leeds academies, says he has benefited from working closely with legendary former Bulls hooker Lowes this season.

Leeds-born Halafihi worked with Lowes during their time together at the Rhinos and said: "Jimmy has been one of the main factors in me re-signing. He has brought me on a lot this year, without even playing that much.

"I am pleased that the coaching staff has faith in me and it is good to know that I am going to be part of the plans going forward. It makes me feel good, that my hard work has paid off.

"This first year has been brilliant and I really want to stay at this club for as long as I possibly can. If I am called upon to come off the bench, or if Adam gets injured, I am confident that I can bring a lot to the team.

"I'd love to cement my spot in the 17 and get on the bench for the Super 8s – but there are a lot of good players in that dressing room who want to be involved too.

"I did my best against Halifax and we'll see what happens next week against Sheffield."