Noble seeks revenge for Hull defeat

Brian Noble will end an eventful week in his coaching career by trying to reverse a Challenge Cup defeat at Hull earlier this month when Bradford go to the KC Stadium again today in Super League.

Brian Noble will end an eventful week in his coaching career by trying to reverse a Challenge Cup defeat at Hull earlier this month when Bradford go to the KC Stadium again today in Super League.

After a shock home defeat by Warrington, Noble has scotched rumours that he could be leaving the Bulls by agreeing a new two-year contract. He also went a long way towards lifting a cloud over his name when a £500 fine for remarks made after the game against Leeds in March was waived on appeal.

The Great Britain coach had compared a Rugby League clampdown on dissent to "Nazi Germany", but argued that he was not in breach of the League's rules in making that comment.

Ian Millward, who makes his debut as Wigan coach at Salford on Monday, withdrew his appeal against a £500 fine for swearing at a fourth official while he was still St Helens' coach.

The Hull wing Gareth Raynor has agreed a new contract extension. He will not be in opposition to Lesley Vainikolo this evening, though, as the Bulls' prolific wingman is out for eight weeks with knee damage. Bradford's new signing Ben Harris could make his first start.

Widnes, who play Huddersfield tomorrow, look set to sign Julian O'Neill for the third time following his departure from Wakefield.

O'Neill played for Widnes last season and then had a brief spell in French rugby union before joining Trinity. He has been travelling from his home in Widnes and he and his wife have a new baby. Wakefield have agreed to release him, although he has been an important part of their team this season.

"Julian's departure puts us in the market for a back-row forward and we look forward to making an exciting signing soon," said their coach, Shane McNally.

Wakefield's match tomorrow is away to the competition's form side Warrington, who hope to have three recently injured half-backs - Lee Briers, Nathan Wood and Graham Appo - available.

The London Broncos could give the former Parramatta utility player, Feleti Mateo, his debut at home to Leigh - their last game at Griffin Park before spending seven weeks on the road, including playing Leeds in Perpignan on 9 July.

The former Salford player John Cartwright is to be Gold Coast's coach when they are admitted to Australia's NRL in 2007.

Gary Rourke has been banned from playing until 25 September after testing positive for ephedrine while with National League Two's Blackpool Panthers.