Originally Posted by
bbc.co.uk
Bulls rubbish Noble Knights link
Noble's contract with the Bulls runs until the end of next season
Super League champions Bradford Bulls have robustly denied that coach Brian Noble has applied to take over at Australian side Newcastle Knights.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Noble is on a list of applicants to replace Knights coach Michael Hagan.
Hagan is leaving to take over at Parramatta at the end of the season.
"I sat down with Brian this morning and he absolutely refutes having had any contact with the Knights," said Bradford chief executive Gareth Davies.
"He has made no secret that one day he would like to work in warmer climes but he is contracted this year and next year with us.
"Obviously Brian knows a lot of people in Australia because he has been in the game a long time but he hasn't spoke to them with regard to this coaching vacancy, nor have they spoken to him."
Noble has guided the Bulls to the Super League Grand Final in each of his five seasons in charge.
His contract as Great Britain coach ends after this year's Tri-Nations Series, while his Bulls deal runs until the end of next season.
"It's flattering that Brian should be linked with the job," said Bradford's acting chairman Peter Hood.
"If you're the Great Britain coach and clearly one of the best coaches in the game, people are going to be interested in him, but he's very happy doing what he's doing."
Newcastle, who finished bottom of the NRL last season, enjoyed success under a previous Great Britain coach, Malcolm Reilly, who took them to a first Grand Final win in 1997.