So you think its a valued part of the rugby league callendar in its current format? And the bottom are my words. The stuff in the speech marks are his give or take an "and" or an "or" here or there.

If they are not that bothered about it why turn up. The $? surly flying half away around around the world, risking injury to key players, for a comp they are not bothered about is a total do not go no brainer for me, unless they did actually want to win it. Or do they come for the off season holiday?

The money the club get is why they decide to come over. Would you want to fly halfway around the world a week before your season starts distrupting your whole preseason unless you were getting enough cash to make it worth your while? Imagine how much worse Leeds would have been at the start of this year if they landed back into England a few days before the 1st league game.

Sorry can't believe the cash is that significant for a no nothing pre season friendly for you guys, in a country where league is the 2nd biggest sport.

I personally am as English as you



But the majority of my family isnt so I have a big interest in what goes on over there. I am a massive Bulldogs fan and see them whenever im across and watch all thier games via the Internet. I have also held a season ticket at Headingley for 16 years now (damn that has flown quick) so this is not some Aussie agenda from me.

Anyway this is what Bellamy has said today... (taken from NRL.com)
[i
Storm mentor Craig Bellamy lamented the long-haul travel and the timing of the annual clash between the hemisphere's best club sides, fearful of the affect it could have on his team's start to the NRL season. Bellamy described himself as a "broken record" but again called for the match to be played two weeks after the Australian grand final, so the champion line-up played in the match.[/i

Cant argue with him really. Both teams at a peak playing wise and the GF squads smashing each other. Id get behind that concept.

One problem with Bellamy's idea is that I suspect half of both squads would have been on the lash for a week and a half before the game. Plus there'd inevitably be injuries to some players from the GFs. You'll never be able to have a game where everyone was agreed on the validity.

Currently timing is the only issue to me in terms of 'validity' - I'd like to see it a game or two into the NRL season - but regardless I enjoy the games. Anyone who enjoys watching class players ought to be very excited if they play Inglis and Slater. Sadly I doubt they'll play both.

Have those two got on the plane yet? Or is that later today. Maybe Inglis might have another surfi.. Sorry, training injury



anyway as I said I do enjoy watching the players play. I just think as a concept the WCC stinks. Too lop sided in Leeds favor and that's even before they announce the team. It'll be a shame if Slater and Inglis don't make it though. Added to Cronk that's 3 Players who would walk into any team (Thurston apart). Might just slide the tie in Leeds favour

I read that Inglis, Smith and Slater will all be on the plane.

Very much doubt all 3 will get through training/Quins without an "injury" though, but certainly hope that they do

- all great players to watch.

Well it seems that despite what you've said Bellamy disagrees with you. His only issue is a timing issue.



If Saints had beaten us in the 2007 Grand Final would the whole concept of eth grand Final and the theoretical Saints win be devalued or a joke because Brent Webb wasn't available to us for the game?

Heard a rumour today that we could be seeing a return of the Klown for the World Club Challenge, I hope not! Personally hope that it is a english referee this season, as they had their referee last year.

that was 2008

Can't possibly be as bad as James Child!

Why? What was wrong with James Child?

Sorry, the current concept of the WCC stinks. Not the WCC idea. Thought I'd made that clear with what I said in other posts. Also as for your 2nd point no. That's a level playing field where both teams have had a full seasons prep time and both teams are on top of thier game. This WCC as it is at the moment is the opposite.

Big kid?????

What? He was the best ref over here. He also has a great knowledge of how both comps work so if anyone is to ref the game he's the best candidate. Maybe this might be a good game in the future to trail 2 refs. 1 from each country?

I thought that Shayne Hayne would have been coming over for the game TBH, I thought it rotated however, between Leagues, because IR that Klien was the Referee in 08?

I think it may be a aussie for the referee and Ganson for video.

The way we're playing we'll lose by 40 points. It will be embarrassing.

So?

Manly still showed that despite all these oh so terrible hurdles they can still be overcome by the super human, superior Aussies and they can still win it.

How does your theory of the Aussie view sit with the way manly treated last years game, or the Sydney team that beat Saints 38 nil?

I'll throw you another spanner in the works - if this game is played two weeks after the NRL Grand Final, when do you start the representative season?

Allow two weeks after the newly rescheduled WCC and you'll be starting internationals in mid-November and finishing them after most clubs have already reported back for pre-season.

Where at no point does he state that he views the WCC as a pre-season trial even if those words you have used actually came out of Bellamy's own mouth.

The pre season trial is your interpretation.

Find me a link to where Bellamy has ever referred to the WCC as a pre-season trial rather than putting words in his mouth. It can't be that difficult can it?



I've read that and I've found the Bellamy quote. "Broken record"

What is it with Australian journalists, don't they know how to report what someone actually says.

Inglis and Slater expected to be fit.... www.therhinos.co.uk/news/9935.php

Inglis and Slater expected to be fit.... www.therhinos.co.uk/news/9935.php

The only problem with an NRL ref is they are used to being one of two on field refs

The referee appointment for this fixture now alternates between hemispheres.

2004 - Steve Ganson (RFL)
=#FF00002005 - Sean Hampstead (NRL)
2006 - Steve Ganson (RFL)
=#FF00002007 - Steve Clarke (NRL)
2008 - Ashley Klein (RFL)
=#FF00002009 - Jason Robinson (NRL)

The only question re 2010 is (or should be) which of the RFL's officials will be given the gig.

I'd have to go with St Steve at this moment in time!