Bulls hoping to mine Solomona talent

Bradford coach Steve McNamara believes the acquisition of David Solomona will give the Bulls the "X-factor" in 2007.

The 2005 champions went to great lengths to secure the prized signature of the talented New Zealand international, agreeing to part with England forward Brett Ferres and £90,000 in the deal, and McNamara is expecting to reap dividends from the biggest-money transfer of the close season.

"Solomona is a huge signing for us," he said. "He gives us that X-factor. We were a bit predictable last season offensively - we were a little bit too easy to defend against - but David can come up with that special play to win a game."

McNamara is understandably excited by the addition of a class act.

Solomona made the 2004 Super League Dream Team after helping Wakefield to the play-offs and he played a key role in the Kiwis' 2005 Tri-Nations Series triumph.

But the 28-year-old ball-handling second rower is modest about his achievements and insists he will not take his place for granted at Odsal.

"You'd have to ask Sharon Osbourne if I have the X-factor," he said. "There are a lot of great players here.

"I think there may be a lot less pressure on me coming up with the quick plays playing alongside Shontayne (Hape) and Les (Vainikolo).

"I just hope I can add a bit of something to the talent that is already here. Hopefully I can get picked because there are a lot of back-rowers here to choose from.

"I have the same goals I've always had ever since I started playing football, to do well and win a spot in the team, and hopefully get us into the play-offs."