Crusaders head coach Brian Noble has dimissed links with the vacant Bradford Bulls hotseat as “pure speculation.”

Following the Bulls’ decision to release current coach Steve McNamara from his role early, Noble’s name will no doubt be linked to the post.

Noble spent a highly successful spell at Bradford between 2001 and 2006, winning three Grand Finals, the Challenge Cup in 2003 and three World Club Championships.

However, the former Great Britain chief has dismissed the idea that he is a contender alongside the likes of Brian McDermott, Steve Menzies, Mick Potter, Stephen Kearney and James Lowes.

“It’s news to me,” said Noble when informed of Bradford’s decision to release McNamara.

“I am happy here, things are moving here. A lot depends on where the club is going to and the ambition of the club, absolutely, but there is nothing to suggest I would be linked with a move to Bradford.

“It is pure speculation.”

Meanwhile, Noble believes that Wales international and British Lion Andy Powell will one day switch codes to rugby league.

Powell, 28, penned a one-year deal at the club after his release from Cardiff Blues and Noble is confident that the 13-man code will benefit from the 14-cap stars talent in the future.

Crusaders were linked to Powell earlier this year and although a deal was muted the two parties could not agree terms.

“We spoke to his agent,” explained Noble. “I would have been absolutely thrilled had Andy Powell come here. It was a possiblilty at one stage, it drifted away unfortunately and that is disappointing.

“We want to keep our Welsh identity and to get another British Lion in as well with Gareth Thomas here would have been absolutely fabulous and I think he will be a great rugby league player.

“I don’t think the story is dead in respect to his rugby league career, I think it may show up again at sometime in the future.”