Features

Can Leeds succeed again?

Author: John Harris
Date: 31/12/2009
Rugby League betting

Over the last few days, we have highlighted some of the biggest sporting events in the 2010 calendar and, after looking at football, cricket, tennis and Formula One, we now turn our attention to rugby league and rugby union.

The all-conquering Leeds Rhinos, who sealed a hat-trick of Super League titles in October, open up a new campaign at Crusaders on January 29.

But it is the World Club Challenge on February 28 that the Rhinos faithful will be looking forward to. They face Australian champions Melbourne Storm at Elland Road in a repeat of the 2008 final.

Leeds came out on top after a 11-4 success two years ago and would settle for more of the same next year.

The Challenge Cup Final will be played at Wembley on August 28.

Warrington Wolves ended a 35-year voodoo to land the prize in 2009, beating Huddersfield Giants in the final.

It was the first time in 23 years that a final did not include St Helens, Leeds, Bradford Bulls or Wigan Warriors, so expect to see a different pair of finalists in 2010.

The Super League Grand Final will signal the end of the 2010 campaign and Old Trafford will stage the showpiece event once again on October 2.

Can Leeds Rhinos live up to their favourites tag and claim the Super League title for a fourth consecutive time? - Latest Rugby League Betting

In rugby union, the Six Nations tournament begins on February 6 as Ireland look to successfully defend their Grand Slam crown.

Victory against Wales in March secured their place in history and, if the teams on show serve up anything near as absorbing, we will be in for a treat.

France are the online sportsbook favourites to land the 2010 prize with the competition coming to a close on March 20.

Last season's Heineken Cup champions, Leinster, will be aiming to feature in the 2010 final on May 22 at Stade de France, Paris.

The Irish outfit beat Leicester Tigers at Murrayfield in 2009 and will be aiming to emulate their English counterparts as they look to become only the second side to win back-to-back titles.

The Tigers will be hoping to be in the running for the Guinness Premiership Final, which they claimed in 2009.

Twickenham will host the final on May 29 with Saracens and London Irish currently looking as though they could be the leading contenders to take their crown.