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?