Tevita Vaikona confidently proclaimed today: "I am on fire".

Bradford Bulls' Tongan sensation is desperate for a place in Saturday's Grand Final side after missing the last St Helens clash with his long-standing Achilles injury.

And the winger is happy to admit that he is training well and vying for a place in coach Brian Noble's thoughts ahead of the big game.

"I am on fire at the moment," said Vaikona, who still has a Test series against Great Britain ahead of him.

"I am training really well and desperate to play. I just want Saturday to come so I can go out there.

"It is a big game and that is what I want. But the lads got there without me against St Helens last time, so I don't expect to be able to walk into the team.

"But I am completely fit and my name is in the hat." It has been a busy year for the Polynesian who has had two big Sevens tournaments as well as his rugby league commitments with the Bulls. He has scored 19 tries from the right-wing in Super League, and the Chief has also picked up three man- of-the-match awards.

But it was his last trip to Manchester, with his Tongan Commonwealth Games team-mates, that gives him most pleasure.

"That was an amazing experience for me," said the 28-year-old who hails from the island of Uiha. "It was a unique event and I really enjoyed it. It was one of the biggest occasions I have ever been involved with."

And once he had finished dining with Aussie swimmer Ian Thorpe, it was down to Twickenham to help the Bulls gain Middlesex Sevens glory.

"It has been a long season for us," said Vaikona. "But I still have enough energy left for the big game. It should be a great occasion playing at Old Trafford and I hope I can get another gold ring."

Consistent good performances this year have put the Tongan World Cup vice-captain among the contenders for Man of Steel, but Saints coach Ian Millward thinks his man has got the player of the year award.

"Paul Sculthorpe has to win it and there can be no other option," said Millward.

"Adrian Lam might come second but Scully is the clear winner - if he doesn't get it will be an absolute travesty."