Proud Yorkshireman Brian Noble and Ian Millward, who go head-to-head in tomorrow's top-of-the-table Super League clash at Valley Parade, have two even bigger engagements in the summer.

The Bradford Bulls and St Helens coaches will be in charge of Yorkshire and Lancashire in the State of Origin clashes in mid-June.

The first match is at the JJB Stadium on Friday, June 14, with the return at Headingley on Tuesday, June 18.

Both matches will be genuine international trials for Great Britain's Test in Australia the following month.

Last year's State of Origin clash - the first War of the Roses match since 1991 - was a one-off at Headingley, Lancashire winning 36-24 in front of 10,253.

Noble said: "The crowd showed last year that they are ready for the re-introduction of this concept, and it was an entertaining game.

"And the players are certainly ready too - I have already spoken to some of the guys who played for Yorkshire last year."

"Great Britain coach David Waite has already said that he will pick his Test team from these two games, so the players have a trip to Australia to play for."

Noble played for Yorkshire twice, and was never on the losing side.

He was in the team that beat New Zealand 18-8 at Odsal in October, 1985, and also represented Yorkshire when they defeated Lanca-shire 26-14 at Headingley 11 months later.

"I used to really enjoy those games," said the former Bradford policeman.

The Bulls notched an early psychological blow over the Saints when they beat an inexperienced side 70-12 last night in the Senior Academy Championship at Odsal.

Tries came from Chris Bridge (3), Jamie Langley (3), Nick Johnson (2), Vinny Myler, Paul Sykes, Victor Tordoff, Ben Western and Andy Smith, Sykes kicking four goals and Western five.

1970s superstars Boney M will be providing the pre-match entertainment tomorrow at Valley Parade from 5.20pm.

And there will be an 80s Revival Night afterwards at Robbie Paul's pub The Turnstile at Cleckheaton (8.30pm). All fans are welcome.