Rhinos to face Storm at Headingley
Leeds will defend their World Club Challenge title against NRL premiers Melbourne on February 22 at Headingley.
The Storm, who have promised to field a full-strength squad for the clash, will arrive in the UK on February 12 and stage their preparations in London.
The pair have met twice already in the competition, at Elland Road in 2008 and 2010, with one win apiece.
If victorious, the Rhinos will be the first club to win four Worlc Club Challenge titles following their victory over 2011 NRL premiers Manly.
“As a group we have been fortunate to play in some big games at great stadiums but to play a game of this magnitude at our home ground was something very special,” said Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield.
“We have had some great tussles with Melbourne over the years with one win apiece and I am sure that the 2013 World Club Challenge will be another game to remember.”
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added: “We had a sell out crowd last season and the interest in this game is extremely high already.”
“The chance to see players like Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith play at Headingley Carnegie is also an obvious attraction and I am sure the World Club Challenge will be the perfect way to kick off a massive year for the sport with the World Cup coming to England later in the year.”
It will be the Storm’s fourth appearance in the World Club Challenge and Football Manager Frank Ponissi said the NRL premiers are excited about the trip.
“We are looking forward to heading to Leeds and testing ourselves against the current super league premiers,” Ponissi said.
“We value this game highly and will be looking to give ourselves the best chance to claim another World Club Challenge title, against a powerhouse club who have won five of the last six super league premierships.”
Tickets go on sale for the match at 9am on December 4.
To book yours, visit www.therhinos.co.uk www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
