EPALAHAME Lauaki has been given up to a month to get himself fit for first-team action.

The powerhouse prop only arrived in the UK Last week following delays with his visa but he is now training with Jimmy Lowes’ squad.

Lauaki’s unavailability is a blow to Bulls bossLowes, who will be missing several players for Sunday’s opener at Leigh.

Karl Davies was on crutches yesterday after sustaining ligament damage in training, joining Lauaki, Dale Ferguson, Matty Blythe, Dan Fleming, Jean-Philippe Baile and Dave Petersen on the sidelines.

Lauaki said: “The coach has given me three to four weeks to get my fitness levels back up and to lose a bit of weight.

“I’m just grinding away and I’ll soon be good to go. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”

After a five-year stint in Super League with Hull FC and Wigan, Lauaki spent the majority of last season with NRL outfit Manly.

He added: “It was good to be back testing myself in the NRL but it didn’t work out there.

“At the same time, it gave me another perspective on the game and I’ve been blessed to continue playing.

“Bradford is a big club which is well known back in New Zealand. There have been some legendary players here and it would be great to make a similar impact.”