Lesley Vainikolo's record- breaking six-pack of tries has given the Bulls a massive boost of confidence just at the right time, says coach Brian Noble.

The Volcano's Friday night destruction of Powergen Challenge Cup champions Hull took his tally for the club to 101 in just 99 matches.

"Six tries for Les is a massive, massive fillip for both the club and his own personal ambitions," said a chuffed Noble.

The Bulls have now dismantled both cup finalists by a combined score of 91-16, running in 18 tries.

Incredibly, many pundits are now talking of the Bulls as joint-favourites to make the Old Trafford showpiece in October.

"It is confidence, the team are playing with confidence," said Noble.

"We made Friday's game hard for ourselves in a lot of respects. We have still got some improvement in us.

"That's a crazy thing to say when you win comfortably like that but we have.

"We had to do all the defending in the first ten minutes of the second half and for me the team's desire not to have their line crossed is as important as their willingness to play decent football."

Noble was quick to point out that Friday night's 49-6 walloping was a fine team effort but he did acknowledge the difference that Vainikolo had made since his return from a knee ligament injury. "Les has not had a flat season, he just hasn't been there for 13 or 14 weeks.

"But he loves playing rugby league. There's no rocket science in it; he likes to get out on the field and he likes to do well.

"I watched that last try end-on and he is an awesome sight in full flow. As a modern-day player you have got to find an answer to the guy. He is that good."