Bradford Bulls today snatched Aussie powerhouse Graham Mackay from under the noses of arch rivals Leeds Rhinos.

The 32-year-old will make the switch from Headingley once his rugby union commitments with Leeds Tykes are over in May.

It means he will not be available for the Bulls defence of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup which begins next month. The final is at Twickenham on April 28. But Bulls chairman Chris Caisley said: ''We are delighted to have signed up such a high quality player in the face of stiff competition.

''Graham will not be with us for a few months but we feel he will give us a big boost when he does come in.

''He has lots of experience and showed last season with Leeds that he is still a very powerful force.''

Coach Brian Noble, who was a team mate of Mackay's in the 1989-90 season at Odsal, told the T&A from the club's training camp in Florida: ''I feel it is a very important signing for us.

''Graham is a very powerful man with bags of skill and he has versatility too in that he can play at centre, on the wing or in the back row.

''He was a major reason behind Leeds' recovery after a poor start last season and I feel sure he will be a big asset for us.''

Mackay, who was a Grand Final winner in Australia with Penrith in 1991, also won international recognition and State of Origin honours with New South Wales.

Mackay scored ten tries in 18 games for the Rhinos and won made such an impact he gained selection for the Super League Dream Team.

A new deal with the Rhinos was on the table according to chief executive Gary Hetherington but the Bulls moved in after hearing it remained unsigned.

Huddersfield Giants also made an approach last week but Mackay is keen to end his career with more honours and instead plumped for the Challenge Cup holders.

Mackay replaces fellow countryman Brad Mackay, who retired recently, on the overseas quota. The Bulls four other quota players in 2001 are Michael Withers plus new recruits Joe Vagana, Daniel Gartner and Shane Rigon.