CHRIS Ulugia admits he has been taken aback by the passion of the Bulls supporters and says every away match so far has felt like a home game.

The 23-year-old New Zealander arrived during the winter from Queensland Intrust Super Cup side Mackay Cutters, where he played with Karl Davies and Dave Petersen on a part-time basis.

There was little or no away support to speak of at that level and Ulugia says even the travelling contingents in the NRL do not match that which the Bulls have enjoyed at Leigh, Featherstone and Batley.

Over 2,000 fans have travelled to each game and Ulugia, who scored the final try in last weekend’s dramatic 26-19 win at Mount Pleasant, said: “When we ran out for the warm-up at Batley, I thought it was our home game.

“The support from the fans has been awesome and I knew we had this kind of following, but I didn’t realise it was that big.

“It’s great to have that kind of atmosphere at games and it’s something I’m not used to.

“It’s way better than what I’ve been used to back home and I’d rather play in front of the Bulls fans than anyone else.

“The fans over here really get into it and even the Batley fans got into it last week as well, shouting my name and trying to put me off my game. It’s different but I’m enjoying it.”

Ulugia was recalled to the side for the win at Mount Pleasant after being left out for the previous week’s victory over Hunslet.

His omission against the Hawks came just seven days after he had helped Jimmy Lowes’ men to an emphatic win at Featherstone, where he scored twice.

A hamstring injury to Etu Uaisele opened the door for Ulugia’s return against Batley and he is hoping to keep his place for Sunday’s visit of Workington in the Challenge Cup fourth round.

Ulugia said: “If Etu plays and I don’t, then I don’t really mind because it’s about what’s best for the team.

“There is healthy competition but it was good to score at the end of last week’s game.

“It proved that you need to fight to the death and we did that with the two late tries to win. Hopefully I’ll play again this week.”