Former Bulls star to provide finishing touch for Leeds Carnegie

The Headingley club have already pulled off one coup by landing England's World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thomson from Brive.

Now they have secured Tadulala, 32, on a two-year contract after the Fijian spent his first few months in the 15-man game at Gloucester.

Tadulala made his name as a prolific try-scorer in six years with Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls before switching codes late last year when he represented Fiji on their European tour.

It was while in Super League that he was first brought to the attention of Leeds coaching duo Andy Key and Neil Back.

"Neil and myself watched him about 18 months ago when he was playing for Bradford Bulls," said Leeds director of rugby Andy Key. "We were impressed with his professionalism. Even then, he had the sort of qualities we were looking for.

"Sometimes in your recruitment you're looking 18 months down the line and this was the case with Semi.

"We spoke to him 12 to 14 months ago and told him we would be very interested in him if he were to get capped by Fiji.

"He's now done that. He's had a good introduction at Gloucester and has shown his commitment to union. As always, we've been thorough in our assessment of the player and the feedback we have had from a number of people in the game has all been very positive."

Tadulala scored 37 tries in four seasons at Belle Vue and a further 32 in just 49 appearances with the Bulls.

Along with another summer recruit, Michael Stephenson, Leeds hope to have cured a lack of potency on the wings from an otherwise impressive first season back in the Premiership.

"Semi's a great pro, a very athletic and physical man who knows how to run those support lines," said Key. "One thing we need to improve on from last season was that we made a lot of breaks, created a lot of opportunities, but didn't necessarily finish them off.

"We expect Semi to be the man to finish those chances off, as well as creating a fair few."

As well as Tadulala, Stephenson and Thomson – who yesterday flew out to Australia for England's summer tour – Leeds have also brought in New Zealand Mauri lock Sean Hohneck.

They are still to reveal what budget they are working to after last month launching a county-wide appeal for an investment of 1m to propel them towards parity with English rugby's big spenders.

Fourteen players have already left Headingley and Key is promising more signings.

"There's another two or three around the corner," he said. "Players are identifying Leeds as a great place to come and play their rugby.

"Talks are ongoing with these players and people are going to be pleasantly surprised with the calibre of player we're bringing in."

Tadulala came to England in 2004 after three years with Melbourne Storm following his efforts for Fiji in the 2000 rugby league World Cup.

After six years in Yorkshire, he switched codes, only for his initial progress in union to be halted by a failure to break into the first team.

Like fellow converts Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, who have belatedly blossomed, he hopes to make his impact over the next two years.

"I have played at Headingley on a lot of occasions and there is a great atmosphere there," said Tadulala, who made just two appearances for Gloucester in the LV Anglo-Welsh Cup.

"However, I have always been in the opposition so it will make a nice change to hear people cheering for me. I am excited about starting my new life at Leeds Carnegie. Things are certainly looking up and I can not wait to get started."

Leeds's signings have underlined their new status following a successful survival fight. Whereas players last year committed for one season, those who are coming to the club, and star performers from the past like Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie, are now more eager to commit for a longer term.