New recruit Manase Manuokafoa is already loving life at Bradford and has compared the intensity and quality of training to standards in the NRL.

The powerhouse prop, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs over 17st, has been recruited from Parramatta following spells with South Sydney and North Queensland Cowboys.

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 Bulls coach Mick 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.

Sydney-born Manuokafoa, 26, has quickly settled in West Yorkshire with wife Meeling and 14-year-old stepson Micah following their arrival last week.

“I had my first training session on Saturday, running up the hills, and I still feel pretty sore now!” he said.

“Then we had weights, skills and a bit of conditioning and it was pretty hectic again.

“But it’s exactly the same as the standards in the NRL – it’s intense and the coaching is full on. The standard is high and I’m happy to be here.”

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