New Bulls recruit Manase Manuokafoa is a softly-spoken family man off the field but has warned rival props he is an altogether tougher proposition on it.

The powerhouse front rower, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs in at over 17 stone, is scheduled to arrive in the UK later this week.

The Tonga international, 26, became Bradford’s sixth new signing after agreeing a one-year deal and will be joined in West Yorkshire by his wife and his 14-year-old stepson.

“My wife is called Meeling and my stepson’s name is Micah,” said Manuokafoa.

“I met Meeling when I was 16 and we have been married for six years.

“I’ve looked after Micah since he was four, so I am a family man and my family means a lot to me.

“Although I am calm and collected off the field, I can be different on it when I cross the line to play.”

Manuokafoa joins Mick Potter’s men from Parramatta Eels following spells with South Sydney and North Queensland Cowboys. He has an impressive pedigree, having made almost 90 NRL appearances for his three clubs, but largely played in Parramatta’s reserve side in 2011, making just two first-team appearances.

Yet he is confident he can make his mark in Super League as Potter’s men bid to put last season’s miserable tenth-place finish behind them.

Manuokafoa added: “I know we finished tenth last season and getting back into the play-offs will be one of our main goals.

“I can’t wait to get over there and start pre-season training.

“I know Heath (L’Estrange) and I have played with BK (Brett Kearney) at Souths.

“It will be good to see these guys again as well as getting to know all the other boys in the squad.

“I have experience in the NRL and I want to be a leader at Bradford and show the younger boys the way. I want to give it everything I’ve got and come the start of the season I’ll be raring to go.

“I honestly can’t wait and I’m looking forward to taking Bradford back to where they should be.”

Manuokafoa is confident Adrian Purtell and Keith Lulia will be successful at Odsal, adding: “They have great experience in the NRL and their quality is well known.

“I’ve played against them and am confident they will do well in Super League.”