Bradford reward Noble's loyalty

Brian Noble has become the only British coach in Super League after being appointed as Matthew Elliott's successor at Bradford.

Brian Noble has become the only British coach in Super League after being appointed as Matthew Elliott's successor at Bradford.

Noble, assistant coach for the last five years as well as appearing in almost 400 games for the club in a 15-year playing career, has been given a two- year contract. "I'm absolutely delighted to have got the job," he said. "It has been a lot of good, hard work for the last five years and I know I have learned a lot. I believe I'm the best man for the job." Noble has been linked with other jobs, including the vacancy at Huddersfield. "We had several applications from coaches on both sides of the world," said the Bulls' chairman, Chris Caisley. "The reason we have chosen Brian is purely down to the impressive work he has put into the club over the last five years."

The St Helens coach, Ian Millward, has resigned as assistant coach to Wales after being told that he cannot delay his flight with the squad to South Africa, which takes off the morning after next Saturday's Grand Final.

The Salford coach, John Harvey, has been rewarded for the side's improvement this year with a new one-year contract. Salford, who were widely tipped at the start of the season to finish last in Super League, climbed to ninth place, compared with 12th last season. "John has done an excellent job and we are hopeful of further improvement next season," said the club's chief executive, David Tarry. Harvey is in his native Australia, looking for one more player to fill his import quota, with a scrum-half probably the priority following the decision to release Martin Crompton.

Wigan have had to abandon plans to sign Jason Temu, who will be vice-captain of the Cook Islands in this autumn's Lincoln World Cup. Temu has spent the last two years with the Newcastle Knights, but his appearances have been restricted by injury and he has failed to qualify for a work permit.

Referees in all televised matches in the World Cup will tell the crowd their decisions via head-set microphones.