RFL examine 'seething' Noble's actions after Hull loss

The usually mild-mannered ex-Bradford chief attempted to confront referee James Child and had to be restrained by the fourth official from going on the pitch after Child awarded a last-gasp penalty for a foul on Reece Lyne which Hull kicked to claim a win which put a dent in Crusaders' play-off hopes.

Noble admitted afterwards to being "absolutely seething" having watched Crusaders claw their way back to 16-16 after Hull had full-back Jordan Tansey sent off.

But Lyne was ruled to have been blocked while chasing a kick and Danny Tickle notched the match-winning goal to deny Noble's men a point which could prove crucial in their attempt to finish eighth and secure a play-off spot for the first time.

Tansey, meanwhile, must face the RFL disciplinary meeting this evening after being charged for the incident which resulted in his red card – a dangerous throw on Clinton Schifcofske.

Huddersfield Giants duo Keith Mason and Darrell Griffin are also in trouble for their part in the ugly brawl which broke out at Wigan on Sunday evening.

Mason has been charged with treading on Stuart Fielden's leg and then running in and pushing him in an aggressive manner during the ill-tempered contest, an incident which led to both players being sin-binned.

Fielden and Griffin have also been charged with fighting.

Leeds's Ali Lauitiiti, however, will not have to face the judiciary after the match review panel deemed no further action was required after his high shot on Castleford's Stuart Jones.

Bradford have given rising star Vinny Finigan his first full-time contract. The 20-year-old winger has signed a one-year deal after breaking into the Super League team just four weeks ago and scoring four tries in as many games.

A full-time student at Leeds Metropolitan University, Finigan was invited to full-time training when his course finished for the summer term.

The Challenge Cup final between Leeds and Warrington at Wembley on Saturday week is heading for a sell-out, with less than 1,000 tickets still on sale.