Lions star Phil Vickery believes rugby league has become paranoid over the threat of large-scale ``defections'' to union.

As Bradford Bulls ace Henry Paul committed himself to a four-year contract with Gloucester, England prop forward Vickery laughed off suggestions that the 13-a-side code was on the brink of turmoil.

The new Gloucester captain, a self-confessed rugby league fan, was on hand to witness the unveiling of union's latest high-profile convert from league in front of banks of TV crews at a Park Lane hotel.

Vickery insists that, instead of berating rugby union clubs for raiding their top talent, rugby league should pride itself on becoming a conveyor belt for the rival code.

``If I was a rugby league administrator, I'd be laughing,'' said Vickery. ``It's rugby league that has made these guys as talented as they are and that's an example to us.

``I am sure Henry Paul will be missed in rugby league but there'll be some other superstars someone will pick up from somewhere to make into the next Henry Paul or the next Jason Robinson.

``They'll keep reeling them off and it can only be a good advert for rugby league that these guys keep coming through the system.

``I think the game of rugby league is very successful and it stands on its own two feet. As far as I'm concerned, there's room for both codes and long may it continue.''

Vickery, who met Paul during last year's World Cup when New Zealand played a qualifying match at Gloucester, says Paul will be welcomed with open arms at Kingsholm.

And the Lions front rower predicts a big future for the 27-year-old, who looks set to become an England team-mate under coach Clive Woodward, another known admirer.

``I'm a big rugby league fan and I've watched him in awe so it's a bit of a strange feeling to see him here and I'm thrilled that he's joining us,'' added Vickery.

``There was a lot in the Press about the possibility of Henry Paul signing for Gloucester and everyone I spoke to was praying that it was him. He's got an awful amount of respect from all rugby players, union and league.

``He's a fantastically talented player. No doubt it's going to take him a bit of time and everyone will be comparing him to Jason Robinson.

``I'm excited about what he's going to bring. He'll have his critics and his supporters, I just hope people will leave him alone and let him get on with his trade.

``I think he'll make the switch without any problem at all. He'll need to work hard, not so much physically but mentally but that's up to Philippe
(Saint-Andre) and the coaching staff and the players to help him out.

``He's a bright and intelligent bloke and our game is not rocket science.'' Meanwhile, Paul provided some comfort to Bradford fans by revealing that younger brother Robbie, the long-serving Bulls captain, has no intention of following in his footsteps.

``He's the captain and he's got three years left at Bradford,'' the Kiwi told yesterday's news conference. ``I think they'll make him the mayor in the future, they just love him up there. He's done well for the club since he was 18.

``Probably in the future it's something he might want to think about and how well I go might determine it but not at the moment.

``He would be hanged in Bradford if he tried to leave early and he wouldn't do it. He loves the club and the team spirit. He's a young fella who is on top of his game.''