"We believed." That was coach Brian Noble's simple assessment as the Bulls turned around a horror defeat at Headingley just six weeks ago to earn their place at Old Trafford for the fourth consecutive year with a 26-12 victory over hot favourites Leeds Rhinos.

Shontayne Hape notched an early double before skipper Robbie Paul and loose forward Lee Radford provided the killer blows in the second half.

Lesley Vainikolo twisted the knife with a last-minute effort as the Bulls outscored the Rhinos five tries to two, but it was their tenacious, bruising defence that set up the

victory.

"Six weeks ago I thought we were climbing the form ladder but we came to Leeds and it was a great wake-up call for us. We have taken huge strides since then. The players deserve all the credit. They have stuck together.

"They have had some people say some not so flattering things about them all year but we are in a position now to defend our championship."

Despite making 18 clean breaks to the Bulls' seven, the Rhinos could manage only two tries, with Danny McGuire crossing in the first half and Willie Poching in the second.

Rhinos coach Tony Smith put a brave face on the defeat, despite the knowledge that his side is just 80 minutes away from repeating last year's double flop when they failed to reach the Grand Final in two attempts.

"I've been glummer. We get to live another day," said Smith.

Noble paid tribute to his side's magnificent defensive display.

"Our first half scrambling defence probably won us the game," he said.

"They made a number of clean breaks on us and what we didn't see six weeks ago was people coming back and making special efforts. We did see that in the first half on Saturday night and when we got in their half we looked pretty threatening. There is a belief in this team."

The Bulls now march on Old Trafford with the chance to defend their title against either Wigan or Leeds, who meet at Headingley on Friday in the Grand Final Eliminator.