BRADFORD Bulls are delighted to announce their capture of young Samoan Sevens star, Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa on a one year contract with the option to extend for two more.


Phoenix has been a shining light on the international stage for the Samoa Sevens side, as well as featuring for the New Zealand touch football squad.


Hunapo-Nofoa is the perfect utility player, as he can play in the halves or feature at full back, where he is renowned for his blistering pace, and agility.


Co-Chairman, Graham Lowe comment on the signature of the talented utility back: "Phoenix will quickly become a favorite of our fans.


“His instinctive attacking and running style will be very exciting to watch. He's been a great player for Samoa on the World Rugby Sevens circuit."


"We have managed to sign him despite a great deal of interest from several NRL clubs."


"He is very excited about being coached by Geoff Toovey and I know Geoff is the type of coach who will get the very best out of him"


"He will prove to be a tremendous asset to our team"

Has he ever tackled anybody?

Aah, so that explains the hashtag that the Bulls included in yesterday's tweet.

Welcome aboard Phoenix! That is one hell of a name he's got there.

Certainly got a wicked side step! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wacaCe6ailQ

Certainly got a wicked side step! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wacaCe6ailQ

Definitely a 'big name' signing!

When does he get here?
also are we getting some forwards in this week??

I would imagine this guy will get the vacant 1 shirt. As 10, 12 & 13 are also vacant, i hope and would suggest we have player sin mind for those positions

If he's half as good as the write up he'll go OK. Sounds like a probable replacement for Kieren Moss - he's got a hard act to follow, but we'll all wish him well.

Interesting. Sounds like he might be someone they had earmarked for a while and might explain why they didn't offer Chisholm a deal and left 1 shirt vacant. Next priority has to be some experienced forwards surely?

Anybody remember saying, Jimmy, we need a 7?

Graham, we need some weight in the pack...

I was worried he wasn't a league player but just read somewhere he came through NZ warriors youth system,
in which case he'll do for me..

Edit

Wikipidea

"Cup.[2 He made his debut for Samoa's sevens team at the 2015 Dubai Sevens.[3 Hunapo-Nofoa made the Warriors development squad after high school"

So he is a League player of sorts.. Looks very quick.

Can we have some tough Championship forwards to lay the platform now????

Interesting. Good to get somebody on board on a proper contract, and I'm guessing its these kind of slightly left field options which are the best gambles/value options available to us.

I'd still like to see Campbell given a run at 1 first, injuries permitting, and Thomas did well last week.

Forwards next please.

He'll be very good in attack but wanting in defence, the Bulls have had a few of those over the years

I'm going to assume that Toovey and Lowe know what they're doing when they sign untapped talent. He certainly looks a handful in attack but it would be interesting to see he is covering defence.

On attack he reminds me of a young Robbie Paul.Hope he turns out as good.I wish him all the best.

On the plus side he's got a great sidestep and good pace.

On the minus side he looks a bit of a titch and those games were 7s where there is tons of space.

Would prefer we signed some tough forwards.

www.samoaobserver.ws/en/01_04_20 ... t-star.htm

www.samoaobserver.ws/en/01_04_20 ... t-star.htm

When I first read the headline I thought it said 7 players! What a name this guy has

How do you know he will be wanting in defence?

Two questions: When will he be here and does he count on our overseas quota being Samoan?

would imagine it will take few weeks to get a visa. He won't count on overseas quota but will count on non-federation trained one.

Well, he's definitely not fed trained though he is our first 'import, but I can't see us getting anywhere near the limits on either list, tbh. My only real thought is about his visa and how long that might take to come through.

I suppose it's possible they had him lined up right from point of takeover and applied for a visa then and just waited to make announcement. If that were case he might be getting it around now.

I hope this guy goes well but don't we need, fit, used to conditions, ready to go now, hardened, experienced forwards who know either championship or super league that can help us win the proverbial 4 pointer on Sunday against Rochdale? This guy is exactly the opposite on all counts

I think he is probably fit....