Bulls have signed an “excitement machine” in NRL legend Steve Menzies.

That is the verdict of one of the men who knows him best – Manly boss and former Australian Test star Des Hasler.

The recent announcement that Bradford have snared Kangaroos ace ‘Beaver’ Menzies for 2009 is big news both here and Down Under.

Now Hasler, the players’ coach at Manly, having also been a long-time Brookvale Oval team-mate of the gifted second-rower, has given an insight to Bulls supporters about what they can expect next season.

“Whenever he comes up at Brookvale (Oval), two to three thousand come through the gate solely to watch Steve Menzies,” he said.

“He will have the Bradford fans doing the very same at Odsal.

“He’s a really great attacking footballer, very skilful and an excitement machine.

“They’ve got a winner and, as the highest try-scoring forward ever in Australia, Steve certainly knows the way to the try-line. He’s a fine acquisition for the Bulls.”

Hasler doesn’t entertain any concerns about Menzies’ age.

The player will be 35 in December but his boss said: “Don’t be perturbed by that. As one great ANZAC slogan goes... ‘age shall not weary them.’ “Steve is extremely fit and has looked after his body brilliantly throughout his career at Manly.

“It’s only sceptics who think that and if he didn’t think he could compete over there he wouldn’t be coming.

“Steve’s a winner and that’s what he’s intending on doing.

“Bradford have got a smart, intelligent footballer who’s a great clubman too and he’ll be real good for the young players over there.”

Bulls boss Steve McNamara spoke extensively with Hasler before the signing of Menzies.

“Steve and I were team-mates when I was over at Hull in 1993,” said the former Australia hooker.

“He was our captain back then and I remember well playing over at Odsal!

“He came to visit us here in Manly last winter when he went around a lot of Australian sporting clubs.

“He’s a thorough bloke, very forward thinking and real professional.

“He was always well aware of Beaver’s iconic standing in the game and Bradford will get great value from him on and off the field.”