VILA Halafihi has spoken of his determination to force his way into the Bulls team next season and revealed how Man of Steel Daryl Clark has provided his inspiration.

The 20-year-old hooker has joined Bradford on a one-year contract and will compete with Adam O’Brien and Nathan Conroy for a place in Jimmy Lowes’ side.

Halafihi spent the past year in Australia playing for Penrith Panthers’ Under-20s side and prior to that he spent a year at Castleford and then two seasons at Leeds Rhinos.

Hull-born Halafihi said: “Daryl Clark was a year above me when I was at Castleford but he was playing Under-20s when I was playing Under-18s.

“When I got the opportunity to watch him I did, because he’s the kind of player I try and base my game on.

“He’s is a big role model of mine, even though he is only a year older than me.

“It’s stupid not to look at him and want to be like him after everything he achieved this year.”

Clark was named Steve Prescott Man of Steel and Young Player of the Year and also earned a place in the England side following an outstanding season.

Like Clark, Halafihi likes to burst out of dummy half at pace and a range of clips showing him in action can be found on his own personal website.

Halafihi explained: “It’s probably the best way for clubs to have a look at you and see what they think rather than having to email every club for a bit of footage.

“Bursting out of dummy half, threatening the marker and defender, that's my game.

“It is about trying to put as much pressure on them as possible to entice and commit them straight away.

“It’s easier if I tip onto the forwards and they hit a gap or a lazy defender who is not expecting me to offload the ball.

“That’s probably what I base my game around – my running – and since I was 16 I’ve been watching James Roby, Keiron Cunningham and now Daryl Clark.

“Roby doesn’t go all the time but when he does, it’s something I watch closely and it’s the same with Clark.”

Halafihi is relishing the competition for places next season and added: “You look at Adam O’Brien and he already has so much experience.

“Everyone knows how he plays but that’s really good because Nathan and I are still young hookers learning our trade.

“Adam has taken time out to teach us little things and extras, such as passing the ball further.

“He’s a good lad and Jimmy has recently taught us about enticing the markers out and how we can move differently.

“Adam then took us to the side and helped us with it further.

“As much as we all want to get that number nine spot, Adam is really helping me and Nathan push on and improve as much as we can.

“Leeds was a big learning curve and the past season in Australia was probably the hardest year I’ve ever had.

“But I enjoyed it and working under Trent Barrett taught me a lot.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls have allayed fears that new signing Harry Siejka could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

The former Wakefield scrum-half had staples removed from his knee in hospital following surgery earlier this year but is expected to resume pre-season training early next week.