Off the pitch the Kiwi prop is the archetypal gentle giant and on it he has done more than most to uphold Bradford's long-standing reputation as a forward-thinking club.

His capture from New Zealand Warriors in 2001 saw him become one cornerstone of the 'Awesome Foursome' alongside fellow props Brian McDermott, Paul Anderson and Stuart Fielden, whose collective might saw Bradford become a veritable Super League super power.

McDermott, Anderson and Fielden have all moved on to new clubs or retirement and this afternoon Vagana will edge ever closer to joining them when he makes his swansong at Grattan Stadium against Hull Kingston Rovers.

The 33-year-old confirmed last week that he is to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign after eight seasons at Bradford and is determined to go out with a bang, despite the odds being stacked against the Bulls having an extended run in the play-offs.

The veteran of five Super League grand finals is unlikely to reach Old Trafford this year – Bradford are currently sixth and can finish no higher than fifth – but Vagana is determined not to lose focus as he bids farewell to the club's loyal fans.

"It will be emotional, but I won't let it affect me until after the game," said Vagana. "We desperately need the two points because we want to finish as high as possible.

"I have told the guys I have three gold rings for my three boys and I need another one for my daughter. It will be tough because Hull KR will be coming here in a great mood after their success at Warrington last week, so we will have to continue with the improvements we have made.

"We played very well against Hull last week, but we still have some room for improvement."

In his 239 appearances for Bradford Vagana has kicked one goal and scored 19 tries, the latest a first try of the year against Hull eight days ago when he was spared the traditional streak across the Odsal pitch at the end of the season.

"I managed to get the try I needed to ensure that I keep my trousers up," he quipped. "I have been a professional now for 15 years and I have never had to do a naked run and I didn't intend to this year.

"My pants have stayed up right through my career and I am very proud of that fact. I thought the try was from 40 metres, but looking at the stats I now realise it was 19. Nineteen or 90, they all count."

Bradford captain Paul Deacon, whose return from a hamstring injury was the catalyst for the club's return to winning ways last week, continues at scrum-half for the Bulls against a Hull KR team who must win to keep alive their hopes of a top-six finish.


Fixture

engage Super League: Bradford v Hull KR (2.30).