The Bulls travel to South Leeds last weekend behind their first-day victory at home at the London Broncos, but the first trip of the season offers a totally different challenge.
The newly promoted Handslet decides to kickstart their home campaign, especially with a victory over the Bulls who will become “local rivals” in the year of the Bet Red Championship.
Prior to the contest, Noble admitted to being a bit wary about fixtures this Sunday.
He states: “We have a very difficult trip to Handslet this weekend. It's a home opener for the Bulls. They feel upset because there's a big crowd and a cracking atmosphere. We're ready for that. You need to make sure it matches what we are good at.
“We probably have some more information about handslets than what we had in London, so it's not surprising they can do it.
“But they have talented players on the team. I've seen their roster and certainly there are a few players who caught my eye, so we've been paying attention to them. It has to be.”
Noble added:
“It was the beginning of their home campaign and they would want to start strong.
“It's certainly difficult early on, but if we don't do the right thing, 80 minutes may be tough. We know what we're good at and make sure we don't have enough. You have to do what you are good at.
“I look forward to seeing some of their (Handslet) players, especially Billy Jowitt, who plays at center.
“We really need to add to the mental approach to this game.”
He states: “We thought we were sloppy, especially in the first half, but we grew into a game and we got a lot better in the second half.
“We were all disappointed with the way we attacked, but we ended up getting there and at the beginning of the year we are wise enough to realize that the outcome is the most important thing.
“It was very important to back it up after all the emotional heights that suited Castleford and its game, so overall I think it was a good day in the office.”
Giving his thoughts on the current form of the team, Noble states:
“We all emphasized the competition within the group, but what we probably didn’t mention much is that there is a very good sense of camaraderie within the group, which is only good at this time of the year.
“Maybe we'll see a few other players this weekend for our first team, which is great for us and them.
“Then, in the third, fourth or fifth week, we are interested in tough things, so we need to choose the right team for these games as well.
“Now I'm happy with the shape of the team.”
Jaden Okumber (hamstring) and Joe Keys (Buck) missed the victory over London, and Noble confirmed that one of the aforementioned two players may not be available again this weekend .
He said: “OK (Okunbor) probably won't make it. That's the reality of the situation. I hope Joe Keyes is right, so let's take a look at him tonight (Wednesday) and Friday .
“It's important that Joe falls into the same rhythm as everyone else does, but he's clearly inlined for choice.
“It's important to maintain balance, it's important to maintain principles, and we had a really good review on Monday night, highlighting what we can do better.
Noble added: “Every player knows their value and what they can offer, and that will always be the main standard for the team.
“I am sure every player in this team is pushing hard to get into the team.
