Selling his Mitsubishi Evo to Kiwi Test star Lance Hohaia was one of Shontayne Hape's final acts before leaving his beloved New Zealand.

And after a gruelling journey via Hong Kong, the 21-year-old centre arrived at Odsal for handshakes with Brian Noble, Chris Caisley, Abi Ekoku and members of the back-room staff who ambled past during his first interview as a Bulls player.

A lover of computer games, fast cars and his mixing decks, Hape, or DJ Shape as he is known in Auckland nightclubs, is here and ready to pick up his Grand Final ring.

One of his first priorities will be to overcome the language barrier, Hape admitting that the northern accent is hard to pick up.

This should be eased by the large New Zealand contingent at Odsal, particularly Robbie Paul ("practically a cousin"), big Joe Vagana (a former Auckland Warriors team-mate) and Lesley Vainikolo (played club rugby together as youngsters).

The arrival of the rest of his music, he only had space to carry his turntables, should also help although his main hobby will be put on the back burner as he attempts to make an immediate impact in the Super League. "This is a very important time for me," said the utility player, who has not played a competitive match since picking up a nasty injury in the NRL's opening fixture.

"I need to make an impression in the sport again. Getting injured and sitting out for that long made my realise that you have to make the most of your time in the game and that is what I want to do here.

"My contract was up back in Auckland and it was a choice between staying with them - I wouldn't have played for anyone else in the NRL - or coming to Bradford, the best club in Super League.

"With my connection with Robbie, and all that he had said about the club, this was the obvious place to come."

And his link with the Bulls' inspirational skipper is a strong one.

Although not related, he sees the Kiwi international as an older brother and is a big admirer of the man.

He is even staying at Paul's house until his girlfriend Liana, a teacher and professional dancer, arrives in January.

Before that, Hape is looking forward to linking up with his fellow Bulls, although the majority won't be back until the New Year after starring in the recent Test series.

"It was strange watching those games," he said.

"Basically it was my old team-mates against my new ones with so many Bradford players in one team and Warriors in the other.

"I was very impressed with what I saw. It looks like there are some really good players here. I think it is a very strong team and I can't see how other sides can match them."

And his impression of the Super League is such that he doesn't think half the teams can.

"The way I see it there are probably five big teams to play against," said Hape, who picks out Sean Long, Martin Gleeson and Keith Senior as particularly impressive future opponents.

"For those games you would really need to be on top form to get a result, but then the other six teams would be a lot easier.

"That is one big difference because in the NRL you need to be playing 100 per cent week in, week out."

Whether that proves to be the case only time will tell, but reports suggest that Hape will be a man capable of making a huge impact in whatever league he competes.

But, unlike his mentor Paul, he is not one to brag about his abilities.

When asked what his strengths as a player are, all Hape would offer was: "That is not really for me to say.

"I guess people will just have to wait and see."