MANASE Manuokafoa is to leave the Bulls at the end of the season and join Widnes Vikings on a two-year deal.

The Tonga international prop, who joined Bradford from Parramatta ahead of the 2012 campaign, was keen to stay in Super League after the Bulls' relegation was confirmed on Sunday.

He said he was looking forward to joining Denis Betts' side, who have enjoyed a fine season and are in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The 29-year-old, whose contact at Widnes has an option for a third year, was delighted to have joined the Vikings after talks with Betts and chief executive James Rule.

Manuokafoa said: “I’m really happy to be joining the Widnes family and I know a lot of the boys there already.

"There are some great players at Widnes already and I just can’t wait to be a part of it.

“I met up with James and Denis and we spoke about where the club is going and I’m pretty excited. I’m looking forward to coming to Widnes next season and ripping in.

“With the situation as it is at Bradford I needed to get my future sorted and I wanted security for my family.

"Denis has shown faith in me and I’m over the moon to be joining Widnes and enhancing the club’s good name.

“The club is making so much progress, you can see that from where they were last year to where they are now and I want to help them get even better. I’m so happy I’ve got this opportunity and I can’t wait.

“For a front rower I’m heading into my peak and I want to better myself and improve. Widnes has some good young players coming through but I want to earn my spot in the team. I want to enjoy my game and improve week in week out.

“I’ll leave Bradford with some good memories and I’ve had a good three years there but you have to move on. I’ve made friends for life there, and the fans have been brilliant but this is a new chapter for me at Widnes.”

Luke Gale will join Castleford next season and Jamal Fakir is heading home to France to play for Lezignan.