The Super League season was officially launched at a star-studded bash at Old Trafford yesterday - the venue where the champions will once again be crowned in 34 weeks' time.

The Bulls were roundly praised for heaping glory on the British game by defeating the Panthers, but coach Brian Noble is determined to ensure they do not come crashing back to earth as they did two years ago.

Noble's men beat Newcastle Knights 41-26 in the 2002 World Club Challenge and a week later slumped to a 17-4 home defeat by Leeds in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.

"We've talked about that," said Noble, as he prepares the Bulls to face Wigan on Friday. "I'm delighted with the way we've started. But we've got to understand that every team in the competition wants to knock us off, and that starts here.

"Our goal is improvement. The minute you take your foot off the accelerator mentally in this competition, you'll get beaten."

Wigan will be out to avenge their 25-12 Grand Final defeat but will be without a host of regulars, including captain Andy Farrell and scrum half Adrian Lam.