Bradford deny Noble link to
Newcastle

English Super League champions Bradford Bulls have rubbished reports linking coach Brian Noble with the imminent vacancy at Australian club Newcastle Knights.

Noble, whose contract as Britain coach ends after this year's Tri-Nations Series in New Zealand and Australia, was reported in Sydney to have applied to succeed Michael Hagan when he leaves the Knights for Parramatta at the end of this year. Bradford chief executive Gareth Davies says he has sat down with Noble to discuss the issue and the coach absolutely refutes having had any contact with the Knights.

Davies said Noble has stated he would like to coach in a warmer environment like Australia in the future but he is contracted this year and next year with Bradford. Noble is preparing the Bulls for Friday's World Club Challenge with Wests Tigers.

Newcastle, who ended last season with the National Rugby League wooden spoon, enjoyed success under a previous Great Britain coach, Malcolm Reilly, who took them to a first Grand Final win in 1997.