Brian Noble's early rugby league career was as a member of the Police Boys' Clubs before he signed for Bradford Northern.

Noble combined his professional career with his job as a policeman,[5] and captained Great Britain on the Lions' tour of Australasia in 1984.

Brian Noble played hooker in Bradford Northern's 2–12 defeat by Warrington in the 1990–91 Regal Trophy Final during the 1990–91 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 12 January 1991, and played hooker (replaced by substitute Trevor Clark) in the 15–8 defeat by Wigan in the 1992–93 Regal Trophy Final during the 1992–93 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 23 January 1993.

[8] After initial confusion regarding chairman Chris Caisley's appointment - the tabloids reported that the new coach was Radio 4 comedian Ross Noble!

As Super League VI champions, Bradford played against 2001 NRL Premiers, the Newcastle Knights in the 2002 World Club Challenge.

In July 2002, Noble received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford for his achievements as a rugby league footballer, and coach.

Noble left Bradford midway through the 2006 season to join Wigan, handing control to his assistant Steve McNamara.

However, despite having just £60,000 available to spend under the salary cap, Noble bought Stuart Fielden and Michael Dobson from the Bradford Bulls for a world record £450,000.

Noble was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league and charity.