The Bradford Bulls' humiliating Challenge Cup exit could be a blessing in disguise, coach Brian Noble said today.

The Bulls were surprisingly beaten by arch-rivals Leeds Rhinos at the first hurdle.

As the their Super League rivals prepared for cup action this weekend, Noble said: "We have to treat our exit as a good thing. While we would like the continuity of playing every week instead of a general diet of once a fortnight, it does give our players the chance to sort out their injuries. We are in good shape and will continue to try to expand our game."

The words will send shivers down the spines of opposing coaches but Noble knows the Bulls will need to steer clear of injuries.

"We are on the verge of a very heavy programme. We play four matches in 15 days (Widnes away, March 24; Hull home, March 28; Wakefield away, April 1; London away, April 7) - and will need all our troops injury free.

"We saw from the Widnes match at home to Saints what a difficult place the Halton Autoquest Stadium can be to play at.

"We will have to play particularly well there and I anticipate a huge battle as Widnes have bought wisely in Robert Relf, Daniel Frame, Steve Carter and Craig Weston, who used to be the skipper of the Australian Schoolboys.

"Also they have Julian O'Neill in the front row, and Phil Cantillon is always dangerous at hooker."