Saints skipper Chris Joynt says his side can't wait to get back on the field after the humiliation of their heavy defeat by arch rivals Wigan last week.

It's serving as added motivation as they prepare for another in the long line of knock-out tussles with the Bulls dating back to the 1996 Challenge Cup final.

Joynt admits: "It was a bad night for us, but as long as we learn from it and hopefully don't play as badly again it's not the disaster many people are making out.

"I bet the Bradford fans are hoping we play as badly again, but you have to give Wigan some credit. The showed just how good a team they are. They came to Knowsley Road and humiliated us to an extent.

"But not only St Helens have had their off days - if you look back across the season, Bradford, Leeds, Wigan and Castleford have all had games they would rather forget."

The Bulls have had the edge so far this year, launching their Super League campaign with a fine 32-10 success in what proved to be Ellery Hanley's last match in charge.

But Saints were a tougher proposition under Ian Millward when they went down 17-16 at Odsal at the beginning of June.

"They played very well on the night at our place but it was a more even contest at Odsal and we are looking forward to the challenge," says Joynt.

"I have the utmost respect for each and every one of the Bradford team. Stuart Fielden is a great prospect and Jamie Peacock is a fine talent, but they have so much to offer and they are in good nick.

"Some people might say we have the extra pace out wide but they probably said that when we played Wakefield a few weeks ago and look what happened there.

"All 34 players on show tomorrow are quality and the best team on the night will get the chance to meet Wigan next week for a place in the Grand Final."

A Grand Final triumph has whetted his appetite for more of the same on October 14, but Joynt says it will have to be earned from scratch and that victory over the Bulls in last season's showpiece will count for nothing tomorrow.

"When the day comes to retire I will probably look back and appreciate the things I have done fully," he says. "I am sure Old Trafford 1999 will be one of those."