Brian Noble admits the hurt of the Bulls' Challenge Cup final defeat by St Helens will by preying on their minds when the old foes clash again at Knowsley Road on Saturday night.

Saints shattered Bulls' dreams of a second successive cup crown at Twickenham at the end of April, and Noble admits there will be little motivational talk needed ahead of their re-match in Super League this weekend.

"The cup final has gone and we can't do anything about it now, but I know Saturday's game has been occupying a few minds recently.

"In reality it is just another two league points at stake, but I think we would be kidding ourselves if we started dismissing it as just another game.

"We were hurt by what happened in the cup final and this is our chance to try and put the record straight.

"It won't be the end of the line for whoever loses on Saturday, but it is obviously a game we want to win."

Victory for the Bulls would put them six points clear of Ian Millward's men though, and even as the mid-point in the season approaches that would clearly taken some pulling back.

The Bulls have no new injury doubts, although full back Michael Withers was still feeling the effects yesterday of blatant use of the knees by Salford skipper Darren Brown at Valley Parade on Sunday night.

"Mick was able to get through a full training session yesterday, but is still a bit sore. Provided there is no further reaction he will be OK though," said Noble. There was genuine concern at the nature of Brown's late challenge, but the Bulls have decided not to take any action.

Mike Forshaw and Jamie Peacock are on course to return after being rested for the 42-10 win over the Reds.

But Noble will not risk Nathan McAvoy, who makes his third outing for the Alliance side against Saints at Odsal tomorrow night (7.30) as he recovers from a knee reconstruction.

Saints have confirmed that star half-back Sean Long will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in the Super League victory at Huddersfield on Monday night.

Long needs surgery on the injury, sustained when he was tackled late by Brandon Costin.

Saints coach Ian Millward said: "It's a cruel blow for Sean and the club. He's a great player and has been in top form this season.

"We face a half-back problem because Tommy Martyn will still be out another four to six weeks after a hernia operation."

Costin was sent to the sin-bin after the 12th-minute incident which ended Long's involvement in the game and has now been referred to today's meeting of the Rugby Football League Disciplinary Committee.

Saints prop forward David Fairleigh has also been referred to the committee for an alleged dangerous throw in the same game and a ban would rule him out of Saturday's clash with the Bulls.