JIMMY Lowes says new recruit Dane Nielsen will go straight into the team as a starting centre when the Bulls begin their Super 8s campaign.

The controversial former NRL star, who has been without a club since being sacked by St George Illawarra in May, is due to arrive in the UK this week.

He is currently awaiting visa approval as he bids to reignite his career after his departure from St George, which followed a boozy night out in which he allegedly bit a woman at a bar in Cronulla.

But Bradford have signed him on a deal until the end of 2016 as they seek to make an immediate return to the Super League.

The 30-year-old, nicknamed 'Danger', has undoubted pedigree after spending his entire career playing in the NRL.

He appeared for Cronulla Sharks, Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors and, most recently, St George.

Three-quarter Nielsen, an ex-NRL Grand Finalist, has previously represented Queensland and the Indigenous All Stars.

Lowes said: "I expect Dane to make a huge impact for us. He is raring to go and is already in good shape.

"He will bring a wealth of experience, having played at the highest level for the past nine years or so.

"Obviously we will assess him when he arrives but he certainly isn't coming to train. He is here to play and we have signed him to play in the centres.

"There is a wealth of competition for places out wide but perhaps what we are lacking is a little experience – and he will certainly bring it.

"I expect him to be a strong character around the place, giving us some real leadership during what is an exciting, yet crucial part of our campaign."

The recruitment of Nielsen follows the recent acquisition of James Clare and Matt Ryan for the promotion-deciding Super 8s.

The Bulls will begin their campaign with a home match against Sheffield Eagles on the weekend of August 8-9, with the date of that game and the remaining six fixtures due to be announced at 10am today.