Rugby League: Paul has revenge on his mind

MANCHESTER - Bitterly disappointed Bradford Bulls skipper Robbie Paul is bristling to exact revenge when the Kiwis meet newly-crowned English Super League champions St Helens on Saturday.

Paul watched helplessly from the Old Trafford sidelines as halfback Sean Long struck the title-winning field goal which condemned the New Zealander to a fifth finals loss to the Saints since he joined Bradford in 1996.

Paul had to stomach losses to St Helens in the Challenge Cup finals of 1996, 1997 and 2001, plus the 1999 grand final.

And yesterday's experience was especially painful.

"I defy anyone out there to say we weren't the most dominant team," Paul said.

"To work so hard and fall down in the last minute and come away with nothing ... it's so disappointing."

While most of the Bradford squad have to stew over the loss until next season, Paul and new Kiwi wing Tevita Vaikona can channel their frustrations into the Kiwis tour which they belatedly join today.

Paul had hoped to arrive at the Kiwis' camp in Leeds with a sore head, but his legs are the immediate concern after cramp forced him from the final in the dying stages for a second successive year.

He started to tie up in the 70th minute and finally departed four minutes from time, fearing he could be caught out on defence.

Bradford were critical of the refereeing of English No 1 Russell Smith, arguing they should have received a kickable penalty for a play-the-ball infringement after Long's field goal with just seconds remaining.

Livid Bradford hooker James Lowes appeared to jostle Smith after the final whistle and had to be led away by teammates.

Paul was reluctant to comment on the controversies.

"It's not my place to speak about referees. I've been guilty about that in the past and they have a tough enough job to do.

"There is a little bit of controversy there, but let's not get away from what was a great advertisement for rugby league."

Meanwhile, he will remind his Kiwis team-mates that Great Britain should not be underestimated.

"These guys are really buzzing. They are confident about doing a number on us. They are so disappointed with the way they played against Australia [they lost 64-10 in July]. No one should take in account how they played against Australia."

The Kiwis trained yesterday. Coach Gary Freeman was to name overnight his line-up to play Hull in Wednesday's tour opener.

- NZPA