Lulia honours Bulls fans

Keith Lulia has paid tribute to Bradford Bulls supporters as he prepares for life back in the NRL with Wests Tigers.

The Cook Islands centre left Bradford at the end of the season when his two-year deal expired and he returned home to Australia to join Mick Potter at Wests.

Lulia proved a success in Super League with an outstanding debut campaign in 2012 and a strong finish to his second season, which saw him score eight tries in his last five appearances for Francis Cummins’ side.

The 26 year old turned down a move to Leeds last year and admitted he found it tough during the Bulls’ financial woes in 2012.

“The Bulls fans were absolutely awesome with me during my time at the club,” he declared.

“They stuck by us in the really tough times and the good times and were always messaging me on Twitter or asking for autographs.

“I loved them and they’re probably the best supporters I’ve played under.

“It was difficult over the two years that I was there and it has been tough for a lot of people. But the boys always stuck together and I think that helped a lot.

“I made a lot of good friends in Bradford and that sort of makes up for all of the hard times.”

Lulia met his new team mates at Wests last week but he added, “I’ll hopefully be back in England for the World Cup later in the autumn”.

Lulia’s hopes have come true as he is set to fly the Cook Islands flag at the World Cup starting with a warm-up game against the Kiwis on October 20.