Bulls coach Mick Potter has tipped new recruit Manase Manuokafoa to make a smooth transition to life at Odsal.

The powerhouse prop, 26, arrived in Bradford from Australia last week with his wife and stepson.

The Tonga international, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs over 17st, was recruited from Parramatta following spells with South Sydney and North Queensland Cowboys.

Sydney-born Manuokafoa has an impressive pedigree, having made almost 90 NRL appearances for his three clubs, but he largely played in Parramatta’s reserve side in 2011, making just two first-team appearances.

Yet Potter had no doubts about his quality and handed him a one-year deal after a ringing endorsement from Parramatta and New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney.

Now the Bulls boss has backed him to prosper at Odsal, saying: “Nas has only had a couple of training sessions so far but he’s looked good.

“He’s a big guy and he’s been doing a fair bit of work while he has been waiting to get across here.

“He’s probably still a little bit heavy in his legs at the moment but he will get fitter and fitter as the weeks go on.

“I’m just happy that he’s over here and mixing with the rest of the guys.

“He’s getting to know everyone and learning his way around the area.

“He’s settling in well, so by after Christmas he will be well into it and will be ready for a run-out or two by then.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls have taken former Swinton forward Phil Joseph on trial.

The 26-year-old is currently training with Potter’s squad and is hoping to impress sufficiently to earn a contract.

Huddersfield-based Joseph can operate in a variety of positions in the pack and has had previous spells with Huddersfield and Hull KR.

He is expected to feature in some of the Bulls’ pre-season games.