Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley has slammed suggestions that he has already decided to overlook current assistant Brian Noble and go overseas to appoint a new coach.

The Odsal chief hit back after confirming that Aussie David Waite - one of the men being strongly linked with the post - is not a contender.

Some pundits have claimed that Caisley has reservations about Noble's ability to continue the excellent work of Matthew Elliott, who is leaving the club at the end of the season to join Canberra Raiders.

But Caisley stresses: "Theories that I am anti-Brian Noble are well wide of the mark.

"It is utter rubbish as I have a lot of respect for what Brian has achieved.

"The board as a whole has taken due notice of his contribution. We won't be making any announcement until the end of the season but I will state here and now Brian Noble is very much in the frame."

Meanwhile, Caisley says Waite was never a serious candidate having already been destined for a key administrative role at the RFL before Elliott announced his decision last week.

The news will come as some comfort to Noble as he faces an anxious wait to hear whether he has landed the job of his dreams.

"I have thrown my hat into the ring very firmly and believe I have the credentials to do the job," said Noble.

"I would love to coach a Super League side and to do so at my hometown club, where I have spent most of my life, would be a great fillip for me.

"But the board have a responsibility to appoint who they think would do the best job. I'll put forward my credentials and it's up to them."

Meanwhile, the Bulls look set to field an unchanged side for Saturday night's final eliminator at Wigan.

That will mean no place for England World Cup squad member Nathan McAvoy, Aussie Justin Brooker and promising young back-rower Lee Radford.

Wigan will also stick with the same line-up, despite their heavy defeat by rivals St Helens last Friday.

lJunior tickets for Saturday's game at Wigan are available at Odsal priced £2.50.

The ticket office will remain open until 8pm tomorrow, but is closed on the day of the game. Junior admission on the night will be £5.