New Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble insists his side will need to be at their very best to stand a chance of repeating last season's Silk Cut Challenge Cup glory.

The club's 51-year wait to get their hands on the famous old trophy ended at Murrayfield with victory over arch rivals Leeds last April and Noble is excited at the prospect of a successful defence.

"Murrayfield was fantastic last year and I'm sure Twickenham would be the same this season," said Noble who takes charge of the club for the first time in Sunday's fourth round tie with Widnes at Valley Parade.

"But there are another four games before we can think about that and we'll have to take it one game at a time. There are some strong teams out there - six or seven top teams who you can come up against and we'll have to be at our best to get to the final."

Noble received a boost yesterday with news that Aussie back-rower Daniel Gartner is available after recovering from a toe injury.

Utility man Shane Rigon is still a doubt after breaking his nose at Hull last week and Noble may decide to take him out of the firing line to give him more time to recover from an ill-fated start to his British career which has included a bout of hypothermia.

Bulls goal-kicking duo Henry Paul and Paul Deacon were at Valley Parade yesterday for a special practice session, and Noble is taking his full squad to the ground today to have a look round their new surroundings.

Widnes have doubts over ex-Bulls forward Simon Knox (eye) and Steve Holgate (neck) and have Steve Argent on stand-by.

Vikings coach David Hulme admitted: "It's a big call to have to go to Bradford, but our pride is at stake.

"The League is more important to the club, although it would be a terrific boost to get a decent result at Bradford."

Widnes' veteran winger Mark Forster, who played in the 1990 Cup final for Warrington, needs one more try for the 200 milestone.