Bulls coach Brian Noble has expressed his surprise at the failure of Paul Deacon to land a place in the Lancashire side for next month's Origin clash at Headingley.

The talented Wigan-born scrum-half was expected to win a place in the red rose squad following team selection meetings involving Great Britain coach David Waite and his assistants Noble and new Castleford caretaker boss Graham Stead-man.

But Warrington's Lee Briers was selected alongside St Helens star Sean Long instead.

"It was obviously a big disappointment to Paul following his form with England during the World Cup. But I have had a chat with him and told him his time will come because he has all the talents," Noble said.

The "Origin Match" is being used as an official Test trial by Great Britain for the three-match Test series against World Champions Australia at the end of the season.

Meanwhile Noble was today planning to finalise his line-up for Sunday night's visit of Salford Reds to Valley Parade (6pm).

The major doubt is New Zealand Test prop Joe Vagana although Noble is still hopeful the extra few days will ease his calf injury sufficiently for him to keep his ever-present tag.

Shane Rigon, Graham Mackay and Nathan McAvoy have all been named in the provisional squad although it seems he will be given additional team to regain full fitness after his knee reconstruction.

Sky Sports have announced that the clash with Wigan at the JJB Stadium will be screened live on Friday, June 29.

The Bulls meeting with London Broncos at Leicester Tigers' Welford Road ground on Saturday, June 16 will also be featured with a 6.05pm kick-off.

A hat-trick of tries from Jamie Langley, playing in the centre, was the highlight of a 13-try performance by a much improved Bulls Academy outfit in a 60-22 win over Salford at Odsal last night.

The Bulls, who led 30-6 at half-time, were well served by Ben Ellis, Vinny Myler and Adam Sullivan while Ben Western had his best game of the season.

Langley's three tries all came in the second half but the highlight was a fine 65-metre effort from prop Myler.

Other tries came from winger Andy Smith (2), Michael Lyons, Danny Ramsden, Richard Colley, Sean Dickenson, Ben Noble, Western and Ellis. Ramsden landed four goals.