Bulls lead charge for Tupou

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut for the Kiwis in last year's Anzac Test, has been lined up to replace Lesley Vainikolo, who is expected to become the latest player to switch codes by joining Gloucester.

Tupou made 18 appearances for the Broncos in 2006 but was dropped for the NRL Grand Final and has not played for them this season.

"He's got a start over there and we've let him go," Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen told Australia's Sunday Telegraph.

At 17 stone, Tupou is seen as an ideal replacement for Vainikolo, who has lived up to his nickname of the 'Volcano' during his explosive seven-season stint in Super League.

The Tongan powerhouse is contracted to the Bulls until the end of the 2009 season but has expressed an interest in trying his hand at rugby union, and Bradford are thought ready to release him once they secure a work permit for Tupou.

Vainikolo, who turns 28 next Friday, has scored 139 tries in 143 appearances since joining Bradford from Canberra in 2002.