Bradford Bulls have clinched the signing of The Volcano - after beating off a late bid from former coach Matthew Elliott.

The Bulls can unveil New Zealand winger Lesley Vainikolo as their first big-money buy for next season. A signed contract arrived by fax at Odsal today after terms had been agreed last night.

His current Australian club Canberra Raiders, led by Elliott, tried to throw a spanner in the works by increasing their offer to persuade him to stay.

But Vainikolo, nicknamed the Volcano for his explosive combination of pace and power, is keen to show off his talents on the Super League stage after wowing English crowds in last year's World Cup.

Bulls chairman Chris Caisley said: "I think a lot of people weren't aware that he was available. The fact that we were aware his contract was up probably beat a few others to the punch.

"He is a very exciting player, an out-and-out winger who can go the length of the field.

"He is massive and very quick with it. He'll be one of the fastest players in Super League.

"And with him, Tevita Vaikona and Nathan McAvoy as well as others who can play wing-centre, we've got some real strike power.

"People have been saying that other clubs have been bringing in all these players and wondering why we haven't done the same.

"But it's not the number of players you sign but the quality. And Vainikolo is right out the top drawer."

Vainikolo is currently out of the rest of Canberra's season with a torn pectoral muscle but will be fully fit in time to arrive in Bradford early next year.

Bulls coach Brian Noble claims a clash of personalities has cost Joe Vagana his place in the New Zealand Test side to face Australia in Wellington.

The Super League leaders' close season recruit is the major omission from new coach Gary Freeman's squad to play the world champions on July 13.

Noble said: "I think he has been playing well enough to get in and it looks like he may have suffered from a clash of personalities. It's a blow for Joe but looking at it selfishly, it's good news for the Bulls .

"It means he won't be flying to the other side of the world and back in a week."

The Paul brothers will head for New Zealand immediately after Friday's home Super League battle with Hull.

But Noble is unsure at this stage when they will be back and whether they will figure against Castleford on July 15.

l Injury worries for Bulls - Page 39