I really do despair at some of the prattle on here - I know it is a free country but I am not sure based on some of the things I read that people don't need repatriating to their own planets.

Anyway, In any other context I would of course not want Leeds Rhino's to win a raffle, but in this context as an Englishman I want Leeds to win. Don't doubt for a second that the Aussie fans (who care about the WCC) will be expecting Manly to tonk Leeds, especially since they were a good few percent the best side in their league last year and in my view won with some to spare.

I understand the point about the English side, but I can't bring myself to support Leeds in any circumstances; Manly for me I'm afraid, which is probably a pretty safe bet.

Over time my interest in the WCC has reduced in direct proportion to our chances of ever contesting it so I will probably forget to watch it this year. In fact such is my disenchantment with the RFL following their sponsorship dealings and Odsal buyout I'll make a conscious decision not to watch it or acknowledge anything else they promote.

Hopefully word of a massive Manley victory will reach me at some point.........I question whether any Cas fan wanting Leeds to win has endured the Headingley crowds reaction to our regular heavy beatings there.

Agree with para-1 to a large extent and the way it is viewed in Aus is also reflected in that it only happens here and the Aus opposition will not have prepared as well as Leeds for it.

Para-2, hmmm, I am not convinced on that one, but crowd behaviour etc is well discussed on other threads and the beauty of opinions is, I don't have to agree with yours and vice versa!

As much as i am English through and through and dislike losing to the Aussies in any sport i will be hoping for a manly win and a large one at that.

The WCC has become somewhat of a joke.

How can a club team travel half way around the world for what is supposed to be a cup final and then play it on their oppositions own pitch? Then you add to that the fact the Super league started two weeks ago and the Aussie competition has yet to - and it points to it being a pre-season friendly for Manly.

It shows how ridiculous the RFL are if they think that a Leeds win will somehow restore faith in British Rugby League.

We cant compete at a national level and i would question if we can compete at a club level all things being neutral. At to this the fact that Super League teams are full of overseas players (within the riles i accept) and it further detracts from the value of the competition.

Its about time the RFL concentrated on building from the bottom up rather than financing the WCC which has no real value to anyone apart from the RFL who can claim, if leeds win, that somehow the English came is becoming stronger.

A Leeds loss (again) and the alarm bells may finally start to sound at Red Hall that proper structures need to be put in place rather than concentrating on the few for short term gains over the long term stability of the game.

Also on a side note has the game been played in Australia in the last five years or so? This will tell you how much the Aussies really think of this game.