Mick Potter gets his man as Keith Lulia signs for Bradford Bulls from Newcastle Knights

7:00am Friday 17th June 2011 in Sport By Connor Murphy, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Newcastle Knights centre Keith Lulia Newcastle Knights centre Keith Lulia

A Bulls deal has provided the perfect birthday present for Keith Lulia.

The towering Newcastle Knights centre turned 24 today and celebrated by signing for the next two years with Mick Potter’s side.

Lulia turned down offers from two top-eight NRL clubs to become the Bulls’ first new recruit for 2012 and will arrive at Odsal in November, at the end of his current contract.

“My fiancé Kelly and I are extremely excited about the challenge ahead,” he said.

“I did plenty of my own research into Bradford’s history and have monitored their efforts this season.

“They are a club with a proud tradition and are on the rise. I’m excited to be part of their future and I thank them for the professional manner in which all negotiations have taken place.

“I’m really looking forward to getting there for the 2012 season and I’m super keen to prove myself in the English Super League."

Lulia’s capture has been a long time coming for Potter.

The Bulls boss has been aware of the player’s talents since his junior days and got a closer look while working as an assistant coach for St George Illawarra Dragons.

Read the full story in today's Telegraph & Argus

Comments(34)

Steampig says...
7:30am Fri 17 Jun 11

if he sought after by top NRL clubs he sounds like a very good capture for us. we have been calling for a class centre and i hope he will fill that void nicely. i think this is a sign of intent from the board, and with the recent re-signings of Kearney and Heath it looks like we are building a solid base for the next few years.

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bullsmania says...
8:04am Fri 17 Jun 11

wow didnt see this once coming, great signing young and passionate, hopefulyl good things to come for bulls next year

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haitch says...
8:35am Fri 17 Jun 11

bullsmania wrote:
wow didnt see this once coming, great signing young and passionate, hopefulyl good things to come for bulls next year
Mmmm! 'Young and passionate', if I remember rightly that can land one in a lot of trouble!.
.
He's a guy with limited experience but we have had some really good players in the past who have been in that category. Lets hope he's another who can rise to the occasion?.

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helenshep says...
8:36am Fri 17 Jun 11

Good news to start the weekend. Well done MP, agree with bullsmania, good things to come for Bulls next season

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dibsy says...
8:40am Fri 17 Jun 11

Does anybody have any information about this player?Like steampig says must be a decent player if top 8 teams in nrl are after him.Would not renew Herberts contract next year and try to sign another top class player from the nrl.Would give Ah Vah another contract ,if we get him fitter I think he will improve.Then we will have are 5 overseas players for next year.Kearney,Heathst
range,Ah VAH,Lulia,and if possible a top forward with good handling skills

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The J Man says...
8:42am Fri 17 Jun 11

Must say i've never heard of this guy & i do follow the NRL although maybe not as closely as i used to.

Anyway, according to the NRL app on my phone, he is down to start for the knights at right centre tomorrow & the game is live on Premier Sports so i will be tuning in to see how he does so if anyone wants to comment on him then get on channel 433 tomorrow morning!!!!

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CleckheatonBull says...
9:00am Fri 17 Jun 11

At 24 he's a player he could hit his peak for us. Remember a certain Shontayne Hape signing for us very young, no one has heard of him.
It's in a position we need improving so just a mean prop and a half back and that would be my recruitment done as i think we need as little turnover a spossible this year. We need to start building, not taking everything apart and starting again year after year

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Schoey 2 says...
9:02am Fri 17 Jun 11

Great news - bit more ike the signings of years gone by!!

Nice to see MP and Bulls announcing this as early as they have done - well done to those guys.

I presume that this is sadly a good by to Chev, or will MP give him a second bite of the cherry, and offer Sykes up instead to offload?

A full fit and working Chev on one side and this guy on the other would be good???

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flashdonut says...
9:13am Fri 17 Jun 11

Liking this. A nasty prop and maybe a top drawer winger and job done.
I think the players that will be released are Halley, Ainscough and Walker. Maybe Briggs to Quins on a season loan. Herbert I still aint sure about.

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Schoey 2 says...
9:17am Fri 17 Jun 11

CleckheatonBull wrote:
At 24 he's a player he could hit his peak for us. Remember a certain Shontayne Hape signing for us very young, no one has heard of him. It's in a position we need improving so just a mean prop and a half back and that would be my recruitment done as i think we need as little turnover a spossible this year. We need to start building, not taking everything apart and starting again year after year
CleckheatonBull - well said. I totally agree. With long terms signings of BK, Langers, Heath, Scrutes, Koppy, Olby, Donno, Eliot, Addy, Platt - and this new signing - I would hope little of the revolving door that has been Bulls recruitment policy for last few years. The top clubs in SL don't have a massive turnover of playing staff. I appreciate we have alot of players on one year contracts, and at the min I would pick out Ah Van & Gaz - would like to see Herbie reatined as he is improving, and poss a fit Chev.

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TomBull says...
10:00am Fri 17 Jun 11

This is a brilliant signing for the Bulls, exactly what we need, young blood willing to defend, Im not sure who he's replacing, Sykes for me should be bought out of his contract but Walker hasnt done enough to prove himself, Halley should stay, Ainscough should stay and be given more of a starting role, I can see Bradford keeping quite a few players from this year, to me the only way to get success is to keep the same group together for a few years, especially a young group like we have. Good times to come for the Bulls!

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Tricky Dicky says...
10:43am Fri 17 Jun 11

A positive signing. We'll have to trust Mr Potter's judgement on this one. He is young, keen and will not be wanting a King's ransom. As we have seen, the Exiles OAPs, with three days training behind them, were more than a match for Mr McNamara's "train-on" English side so this lad will certainly be able to hack it. It looks like Mr Potter is already spending Mr Parkin's "take-over" money. More to come?

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MECCA BINGO says...
10:51am Fri 17 Jun 11

TomBull wrote:
This is a brilliant signing for the Bulls, exactly what we need, young blood willing to defend, Im not sure who he's replacing, Sykes for me should be bought out of his contract but Walker hasnt done enough to prove himself, Halley should stay, Ainscough should stay and be given more of a starting role, I can see Bradford keeping quite a few players from this year, to me the only way to get success is to keep the same group together for a few years, especially a young group like we have. Good times to come for the Bulls!
Good times to come for the Bulls? I seem to remember reading similar comments last year and the year before etc. Please people don't get so carried away with the news of just one unknown signing! I will wait and see the team next year before commenting. We are lacking in the centres so I welcome the signing but reserve my judgement.

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Stuart says...
11:19am Fri 17 Jun 11

This is the player profile from the Knights.
Keith Lulia
Date of Birth : 17 June, 1987
Height : 192 cm
Weight : 99 kg
Position : Centre
Rep. Honours : Pacific Cup 2009 (Cook Islands)
Junior Clubs : Port Kembla Blacks
Previous Clubs : St George Illawarra Dragons 2007
FG Debut : St George Illawarra v Gold Coast, Suncorp Stadium, 18/03/07 (Rd 1)
Club Debut : Newcastle v Manly, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 22/03/08
Only played a handfull of games in first grade this year. Interesting point is that the great coach Wayne Bennet does not rate this guy or he would not be leaving for the UK. But several good first graders are being kicked out before Bennet arrives next season including De Gois who is a top class hooker. So this kid could be a good pick up for the Bulls. Will keep an eye on him and report back on the T & A.

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birkybull says...
11:46am Fri 17 Jun 11

Good news and positive that the club has annouced a new signing for next year to wet the appetite of us. Bit of an unknown really but like so many others we have signed that went on to become great in the bulls shirt. Wigan signed George Carmont from no where and look how well he has turned out. I would be happy if he was the next George Carmont.

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Eddiethepom says...
11:58am Fri 17 Jun 11

Stuart wrote:
This is the player profile from the Knights. Keith Lulia Date of Birth : 17 June, 1987 Height : 192 cm Weight : 99 kg Position : Centre Rep. Honours : Pacific Cup 2009 (Cook Islands) Junior Clubs : Port Kembla Blacks Previous Clubs : St George Illawarra Dragons 2007 FG Debut : St George Illawarra v Gold Coast, Suncorp Stadium, 18/03/07 (Rd 1) Club Debut : Newcastle v Manly, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 22/03/08 Only played a handfull of games in first grade this year. Interesting point is that the great coach Wayne Bennet does not rate this guy or he would not be leaving for the UK. But several good first graders are being kicked out before Bennet arrives next season including De Gois who is a top class hooker. So this kid could be a good pick up for the Bulls. Will keep an eye on him and report back on the T & A.
Some good points. I dont think the fact that Bennett is allowing him to leave is a refelction on his ability.

.

You mention DeGois will also be leaving, this is another example of Bennett releasing some quality in order to stamp his mark. Lets not forget in the past he has released the likes of Scott Prince, Cooper Cronk (i think), Luke Preddis, Brett Seymour and the list goes on.

.

Hopefully a good signing but only time will really tell. From what I have seen he looks like he could have an impact in Super League as long as he is given time to settle.

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bull on a canary says...
12:06pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Played for the Cook Islands - so does he count on our Overseas Quota?

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THEMANOFSTEEL says...
12:39pm Fri 17 Jun 11

does this mean no Brett Seymour now? we do have a spare place in the quaota so he is fine to come over. if we are interested in Seymour does this mean Herberts contract isnt going to be renewed?

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Bullsman says...
1:00pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Well I dint expect this. But great news its nice to hear about signings before the end of the season. I was just saying a few weeks ago the bulls needed to do this and looks like they listened to me lol. Shame I don't have chanel 433 or I would definately be watching to see if he has potential

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fr13day says...
1:01pm Fri 17 Jun 11

THEMANOFSTEEL wrote:
does this mean no Brett Seymour now? we do have a spare place in the quaota so he is fine to come over. if we are interested in Seymour does this mean Herberts contract isnt going to be renewed?
Connor Murphy tweeted "...He (Brett Seymore) knocked back contract offer put to him by Bradford and looks likely to sign with Hull FC instead." yesterday.
Where are Hull getting all this money from?

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Steampig says...
1:10pm Fri 17 Jun 11

bull on a canary wrote:
Played for the Cook Islands - so does he count on our Overseas Quota?
not sure but i did wonder about that too. would be a bonus if he dose not count. i suppose it probably depends very much on where his pass port says he is from australia ? or cook islands

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THEMANOFSTEEL says...
1:14pm Fri 17 Jun 11

this is interesting
http://www.thisishul
landeastriding.co.uk
/HULL-FC-Aussie-Seym
our-eyes-Black-White
s/story-12786851-det
ail/story.html

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Freddie! says...
3:02pm Fri 17 Jun 11

I for one am delighted with this signing. A young 6'4" centre who wants to come to this club and has chose us over others. We have never really had much luck with marquee names and this is a signing of the old bradford bulls which gave us so much success.

Here's a link to a newcastle knights forum where lulia is the subject:

http://www.marathons
tadium.com/forum/sho
wthread.php?9525-Kei
th-Lulia

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mdn says...
3:04pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Steampig wrote:
bull on a canary wrote:
Played for the Cook Islands - so does he count on our Overseas Quota?
not sure but i did wonder about that too. would be a bonus if he dose not count. i suppose it probably depends very much on where his pass port says he is from australia ? or cook islands
even if playing for cook islands gets him off overseas quota, he will still count on non fed trained quota so effectively uses a quota spot unless we can find a oz/kiwi player with a federation trained exemption(i.e one already in superleague prior to feb 2008 when non fed rules came in).

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Steampig says...
3:59pm Fri 17 Jun 11

mdn wrote:
Steampig wrote:
bull on a canary wrote: Played for the Cook Islands - so does he count on our Overseas Quota?
not sure but i did wonder about that too. would be a bonus if he dose not count. i suppose it probably depends very much on where his pass port says he is from australia ? or cook islands
even if playing for cook islands gets him off overseas quota, he will still count on non fed trained quota so effectively uses a quota spot unless we can find a oz/kiwi player with a federation trained exemption(i.e one already in superleague prior to feb 2008 when non fed rules came in).
Cheers !!

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Wipsi says...
5:36pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Mmmm! 'Young and passionate', if I remember rightly that can land one in a lot of trouble!.

You must have a good memory if you can remember that far back, how ya doing Haitch

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Reading Bullette says...
5:43pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Tricky Dicky wrote:
A positive signing. We'll have to trust Mr Potter's judgement on this one. He is young, keen and will not be wanting a King's ransom. As we have seen, the Exiles OAPs, with three days training behind them, were more than a match for Mr McNamara's "train-on" English side so this lad will certainly be able to hack it. It looks like Mr Potter is already spending Mr Parkin's "take-over" money. More to come?
Mr Parkin is full of ****. My understanding is that he hasn't spoken to anyone at the club but that he has spoken to that old chestnut Caisley. Fact is Caisley ruined the club chasing his ego, bailed out when the going got tough and has been trying to get back in through the back door ever since. Well it won't happen, either through Parkin or anyone else

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spanglishbull.uk says...
5:58pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Reading Bullette,
Interesting comments,you do seem to be well informed,so I have no doubt your comments are accurate.Not to sure about Chris Caisley bailing out when the going got tough,admittedly cost the club a lot of money and wasted years trying to get the club back on its feet.It seems to me the Iestyn Harris saga cost the club dearly but he did after all put many good years into the club.That however does not mean I think it would be a good idea for him to return.You can never go back to the good times.Look forward not back seems to me the way to progress.

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kennyr13 says...
7:13pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Chev, Sykes, Ainscough, Herbert, Sibbit Must get rid. Although know one seems to know too much about this new signing he cant be any worse than Tami toopour or any Centre/Winger mentioned above. Tough game on Sunday C'mon Bulls.

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haitch says...
8:21pm Fri 17 Jun 11

Wipsi wrote:
Mmmm! 'Young and passionate', if I remember rightly that can land one in a lot of trouble!.

You must have a good memory if you can remember that far back, how ya doing Haitch
Hi Wipsi. it's only a VAGUE memory mind you!!! I'm doing fine mate but busy with other things and leaving these on here in peace for a while!!
.
Having seen the comments of the Knights fans, it seems he is well liked by those who have watched him play. Should be a good signing.

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cj says...
8:30pm Fri 17 Jun 11

as someone has already mentioned, it says in the hull daily mail that seymore is more likely to sign for them due to influence from berrigan who now plays at warriors. this to me would now suggest that herbert will be given the option of another year or two. rumour had it a while back was that ah van wasn't settling so he may be on his way home. sibbet was signed for 2 i believe so he's going to be staying. i'm sure the management have more irons in the fire. was disappointed that no major announcement was made about kearney resigning, just a comment made in a piece about heath. this is big news, well it is to me anyway.

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BULLPOWER11 says...
10:23am Sat 18 Jun 11

Wait till you all see this kid go. You think Shontayne Hape was good you aint seen nothing yet. Hes huge and very very fast. The left hand side of the pitch with Lulia and Ah Van will b the most feared in super league. Seen a lot of him over the last few years and hes sttod out in the knights team. Brilliant signing for us. Now for willie tonga n roy asotasi!!!!!

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bradfordbull13 says...
12:06pm Sat 18 Jun 11

big keith looks a good talent, plays in the mould of shontayne hape. latest news coming out of bradford is that the future owner has told leon pryce not to sign for catalan and has offered to double his wages. also bulls are linked with south sydney full back rhys wesser

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Reading Bullette says...
5:55pm Sat 18 Jun 11

bradfordbull13 wrote:
big keith looks a good talent, plays in the mould of shontayne hape. latest news coming out of bradford is that the future owner has told leon pryce not to sign for catalan and has offered to double his wages. also bulls are linked with south sydney full back rhys wesser
Dream on!!

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