Anderson itching to resume rivalry with Bradford's Noble

Daniel Anderson, the new St Helens coach, is relishing his rematch with Bradford counterpart Brian Noble when he takes his side to the Odsal Stadium tomorrow.

Daniel Anderson, the new St Helens coach, is relishing his rematch with Bradford counterpart Brian Noble when he takes his side to the Odsal Stadium tomorrow.

Anderson was in charge of the New Zealand team beaten twice by Noble's Great Britain in last year's Tri-Nations Series but he is excited by their first Super League meeting.

Anderson got off to a spectacular winning start with St Helens against champions and leaders Leeds last week and Bradford's ground holds no fears for the Australian.

Anderson said: "Brian got the better of me last October and November and I've got a lot of respect for him as a coach. He's done a great job and I really enjoy butting heads with great coaches.

"But I'm not that worried about an opposition's home ground at this stage. If we get our shop in order we'll be competitive and then some. I've just got to worry about Saints."

St Helens, who are second in the table, were back to their best in beating Leeds 38-24 at Knowsley Road and are six points better off than tomorrow's opponents.

However, the Bulls were impressive in demolishing Hull 42-24 in their last game and Anderson is wary of complacency.

He added: "It doesn't matter where teams are in the table. Bradford are a dangerous team and they played very well last weekend. I have a lot of respect for everyone we play."

Noble admits he was impressed by Saints' level of performance against a Leeds team that had lost only once previously all season.

The Great Britain coach said: "They dominated them and played fast on Leeds and that is what won them the game.

"We have to make sure they don't do that to us this week and we know they like to start well so we have to be on the pace immediately, or we could be talking about it under our posts.

"The key for us is to continue to improve. I will be looking for a performance that carries on from where we left off against Hull last week."

The winger Lesley Vainikolo and the forward Jamie Langley are still missing for the Bulls through injury. Andy Smith is again included in the 20-man squad as cover. The prop Rob Parker is back in contention.