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Featured Sport News

Rhinos face Manly battle

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 28/02/2009

Defending champions and online betting favourites Leeds Rhinos may have to redouble their efforts if they are to be named the best rugby league club in the world for a second successive year.

The World Club Challenge, in its 17th season, pits the Super League champions against the winners of the Australian National Rugby League, Manly Sea Eagles.

The Sea Eagles are taking part in the fixture for the first time but, after crushing last year's NRL champions, Melbourne Storm, 40-0 in the Grand Final almost five months ago, they travel to Elland Road in an optimistic frame of mind.

Those five months of inactivity have, in the past, proved too much of a disadvantage for the Australian teams, as the Super League sides have already played several competitive matches in their new season.

Yet Manly, who play their first NRL game of 2009 on March 14, have looked to address this disadvantage by playing a competitive Harlequins side last weekend, winning 34-26 and looking good value for it.

The Australian side also have Super League experience in the shape of former St Helens centre Jamie Lyon, while Lyon's former Saints coach, Daniel Anderson, has been tapped for information by the Sea Eagles staff.

This backdrop has helped the 2009 World Club Challenge become one of the most hotly contested of recent years, with neither club having any clear advantage.

History remains firmly behind the Rhinos - an English club have not lost the competition since the Sydney Roosters routed St Helens 38-0 in 2003 - while their league form has been exemplary in the opening weeks of the Super League season.

Sea Eagles fans will doubtless be encouraged by the loss of Leeds hooker Danny Buderus, who has undergone knee surgery, and full-back Brent Webb, whose injured shoulder will keep him out for another month at least.

There are also question marks over the fitness of scrum-half Rob Burrow, who has yet to play this season after injuring his back. He has been given a place in the squad to face the Sea Eagles but won't be firing on all cylinders if he is risked.

Yet Manly have enough problems of their own for Leeds to take heart from. Front-rower Brett Kite was expected to be a real danger but has been left behind on compassionate leave. His replacement, Jason King, is a step down in quality.

It all points towards an even contest, but one which is bound to be hotly contested as both clubs compete to be called the best in the world.

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