Brian Noble says there has been no breakdown in relations between the New Zealand Rugby League and the Bradford Bulls.

The Kiwi team announced yesterday to face Australia in the Anzac Test on Friday, April 22 in Brisbane included no Bulls players.

And reports from the Antipodes are suggesting that the Kiwis are frustrated with the Bulls' attitude towards mid-season Tests.

But as for relations between the two being strained, Noble said: "That's rubbish. We have always made our players available for Tests."

Lesley Vainikolo and Robbie Paul played in last year's Anzac Test but the only British-based Kiwi named this time is London Broncos' scrum half Thomas Leuluai.

The 19-year-old, who moved from New Zealand Warriors during the close season, played in all four of his country's Tri-Nations matches last autumn.

Noble added: "Les has only had one game back after injury, and Robbie has been playing at hooker, where New Zealand obviously reckon they have decent cover."

The Great Britain coach was surprised at Leuluai's inclusion, however, saying: "I thought Daniel Anderson wasn't going to choose any British-based players."

However, maybe 19-year-old Leuluai was picked because Broncos are playing on Saturday night against Leeds, whereas Vainikolo and Paul are not in action until Sunday afternoon against Huddersfield Giants.

The Bulls' team spirit is still as strong as ever, despite them having lost five of their nine matches to lie seventh in the Engage Super league table.

Noble explained: "We had our angry day on Monday after reviewing the video."

Referring to Sunday's match at Warrington, he said: "The main reason we are struggling is because we are not defending well enough.

"You cannot miss 32 tackles and expect to win a match.

"We are struggling there both mentally and physically, and we have to be a tad tougher.

"It is down to individual errors within our system and the players have been told.

"It is very, very frustrating, and we are very, very disappointed about our defence both physically and mentally, but it is a long season."

As for the team's consistency in games, Noble said: "We have played well in some matches for 80 minutes, but only for 40 minutes in others.

"And sometimes you only get the chance to put things right at half-time when the damage has been done and it is too late."

On Sunday, the Bulls face a Huddersfield side at Odsal who have won their last three.

Noble said of Huddersfield: "It is as big a challenge as last week. The Giants are a very good team.

"Brad Drew and Paul March get them going forward, they have a big, athletic pack, some good backs and Paul Reilly is another avenue of attack for them at full back."