TEVITA VAIKONA, Saracens' rugby league recruit from Bradford Bulls, insists Andy Farrell will have to make his cross-code switch as a back if he is to become a success.

"Most of the people who have made the switch have all been backs," said Vaikona, who followed the likes of Jason Robinson, Henry Paul and Iestyn Harris over from the 13-man code.

"In the forwards you have got the line-out and the scrum, so I can't imagine Farrell will make the switch as a forward. I don't know him that well, I've only played against him, but I'm sure he won't want to embarrass himself, although it's not as easy as some people think."

Vaikona has made the transition appear virtually seamless since making arriving in the summer and currently boasts the highest number of off-loads by any player in the league.

"I'm getting there," he said. "I'm surprised how many games I've started, but the main thing was getting on the field and learning how to play the game, the guys you are playing with and how the team plays.

"It wasn't easy but if you enjoy doing it and really want to do then you will make it, and I'm enjoying it so far.

"All the things around the ruck are the main things you have to learn, like making sure you don't get turned over. Also learning the offside and about ball presentation."

Although he was withdrawn at the last minute from the clash at Welford Road after Rod Kafer got wind that Leicester were going to target the Tongan, Vaikona has been virtually ever present since making a try-scoring debut against Bayonne in October. In fact, tonight's clash at Headingley, which is the home venue for both the Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Tykes, will be the winger's 12th consecutive start.

"I always look forward to playing at Leeds for the Bulls as it was always full capacity when we played there, but I think it will be slightly different this time," said Vaikona, mindful of the fact that the Tykes average between two and three thousand for a home game.

"It will be strange but it will nice to go back there as Headingley is one of my favourites grounds. Every time I go there I go over the tryline, but that was in rugby league."