Bradford Bulls' head coach Brian Noble today expressed his delight at news that tickets for Saturday's Grand Final are selling fast.

Super League officials say almost 50,000 have been sold for the showdown between the Bulls and St Helens at Old Trafford (6.30pm).

Saints sold more than 7,000 on the first day and, with the Bulls having sold their allocation of 12,000 and having been given another 1,200 tickets to sell this week, the crowd could beat last year's record of 60,164.

Noble said: "That is tremendous news. It should be a great atmosphere just like it was last year when we beat Wigan.

"After all, we are two of the best supported clubs in rugby league.

"Who knows, there might even be a capacity crowd of some 68,000."

Figures for previous Grand Finals indicate that a large number of tickets are purchased in the final week, and a Rugby Football League spokesman said: "We are advising fans to secure the remaining tickets as early in the week as possible to avoid disappointment.

"If the qualifying semi-final between the clubs is anything to go by, the contest is sure to be breathtaking. It will be a great sporting experience."

Noble added: "We played superbly there last year to beat Wigan 37-6, and our fans were singing from the second minute right to the end, but I expect this year's final to be closer. We know we will have to concentrate for 80 minutes."