Bradford Bulls are not afraid of what is facing them in the Tetley's Super League play-offs.

St Helens' narrow 18-16 victory at London Broncos yesterday means they clinched the Minor Premiership.

And that pits the Bulls against the Saints at Knowsley Road on Saturday, October 5 (6pm) with the winners going straight through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford a fortnight later.

The losers would face a home match - a final eliminator against Wigan, Castleford, Leeds or Hull - on Friday, October 11.

Noble said: "As last year, we will going for the shortest route to the Grand Final.

"We only lost out on first place by a points difference of ten, so to my mind we have finished equal top.

"The match against Saints is a major semi-final, and if we win it we will be in the Grand Final. We don't want to have to play two games to get there."

St Helens coach Ian Millward said he was delighted his side finished in first place after the thriller at Griffin Park.

However, he admitted he was concerned about skipper Chris Joynt, who was rushed to hospital less than an hour before kick-off after collapsing in the dressing room.

"It would appear Chris has had some kind of allergic reaction to something in much the same way as he did before the Origin game.

"We are not sure what it is. He is due to have some tests today.

"But I am very happy to finish top of the league.."

Former Bulls assistant coach and Keighley Cougars boss Karl Harrison was today facing up to the bitter disappointment of relegation with Salford.

The City Reds had to win their final game to pip Wakefield for survival but were beaten 20-10 by Castleford, who booked the final play-off spot.

The play-offs start next Friday (8.00) with Leeds (fourth) at home to Hull (fifth) with the losers going out.

On Saturday (6.00), Wigan (third) are at home to Castleford (sixth) with the losers again going out. The highest-placed finisher has home advantage throughout the play-offs.