World Club Challenge to go Ahead

A scheduling breakthrough has confirmed that the Carnegie World Club Challenge will go ahead between St Helens and the Broncos in England (venue to be confirmed) on February 23.

The match had been in some doubt given the Broncos commitment to rest those players involved in this year’s Tri Nations event.

“We very much wanted to play the match but could not do so on the traditional early February date,” Broncos Chief Executive, Mr Bruno Cullen, said today.

“St Helens and the Rugby Football League have agreed to stage the match a little later this year and that will give us the chance to put together our best possible team and to do the match justice.

“The World Club Challenge is a great concept and it is important that if we do take part, we do so in a way that properly represents the two Premierships involved.”

NRL Chief Operating Officer Mr Graham Annesley said the willingness of all parties to find a compromise showed the significance of the event.

“Since the start of 2000 it has been an annual event and as well as becoming an important part of the Rugby League Calendar it has also built a strong link between the two competitions.

“The late date this year does necessitate the match being played in the UK again as the Super League season will have actually started making it impractical for an English team to be in Australia at that time.”