Brian Noble admits it's going to be an "exciting" proposition tackling his former club again tomorrow.

The Wigan chief has faced the Bulls twice since leaving Bradford last April - masterminding an emphatic victory at the JJB Stadium last September but losing at Odsal earlier this season.

His side have struggled for consistency this year, highlighted by their woeful 32-6 loss against Wakefield on Sunday, which came hot on the heels of an excellent 30-0 destruction of Catalans.

They remain in fourth place but are already eight points behind Leeds and the Bulls, meaning they need a win tomorrow to avoid being cut adrift.

With a salary cap tribunal imminent as well, Wigan could be hit with another points deduction but Noble said: "I'd be very surprised if the moves we've taken last year mean we're over the cap and the hearing will be interesting. As for tonight, it will be an exciting match against Bradford.

"They are looking strong, always put a run together at this time of year and are in the right kind of form. We'll have to be good to get the spoils."

Noble is expecting a much-improved performance though from his misfiring side, who have lost four of their last eight games including a home defeat against struggling Hull KR.

He questioned some of his players' attitude following the Belle Vue debacle and may make changes tomorrow. However, he added: "I'm expecting a response from them.

"Winning is never the be all and end all. It's performance that counts and we need a far more enthusiastic display this week.

"That doesn't ever guarantee a win when you're playing a team like Bradford but we've got to be focused and have the right attitude.

"Some of the players' attitudes were not of the required highest level last week and we have to change that."

Key Australian stand-off Trent Barrett has escaped further punishment after being put on report for a high tackle against Wakefield's Adam Watene and then being sin-binned for fighting.

The former Test ace is free to take his place in the Wigan team alongside former Bulls favourite Stuart Fielden.

  • The Bulls versus Wigan Warriors Under-18s game, scheduled for Odsal on Sunday, has been rearranged for Wednesday, July 25, kick-off 7.30pm.