Rival coaches Brian Noble and Ian Millward today began the Twickenham "mind games" as they looked to gain advantage ahead of one of the most evenly matched Challenge Cup final for years.

While the St Helens boss took the surprise decision to name his side four days ahead of the showpiece, his opposite number was keeping his plans firmly under wraps.

"Saints will be doing their homework on us and I don't intend giving the a helping hand," said Noble.

"The sides are very evenly matched and it's a matter of trying to gain what advantage you can," he added.

Noble also claims his side are underdogs despite having beaten Saints 31-24 in their opening Super League game at Valley Parade last month.

"Everyone seems to be tipping Saints and we quiet like it like that," he added.

The Bulls coach is making further checks today on the fitness of full back Stuart Spruce and three-quarter Michael Withers but it seems increasingly likely he will keep the Saints camp guessing on his side right down to the wire.

Spruce had scans late yesterday afternoon and the results were being discussed at training today.

"He's still in a fair bit of pain," said Noble who declined to comment further on his chances of making the big day.

Meanwhile Withers was in training yesterday and his chances seem to be improving although there has been no official clarification from Noble on that either.

"We're taking things a day at a time and the main thing yesterday was that the mood was excellent and everyone was really looking forward to the occasion.

"I've reminded them they'll enjoy it a fair bit more if we win!"

Saints have named the same starting 13 which defeated Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final.

Millward has sprung a surprise by naming two backs, Steve Hall and Anthony Stewart, on the bench along with Tim Jonkers and Vila Mat-autia.

The players to miss out are John Stankevitch, Wayne McDonald and Dwyane West although in the current climate Noble is not be placing too much store by the announcement.

Former Odsal centre Paul Newlove is named although he faces the League's disciplinary committee later today following his dismissal for a high tackle at Warrington on Friday night.

The Bulls have a limited number of returned corporate tickets for the final.

Anyone interested should contact the club be 5pm tonight.

St Helens: Wellens; Hoppe, Iro, Newlove, Sullivan; Marytn, Long; Nickle, Cunningham, Fairleigh, Shiels, Joynt, Sculthorpe. Subs: Hall, Stewart, Jonkers, Matautia.