Cahill calls for World Club Challenge game in Australia

Former Melbourne back-rower Hep Cahill, now at Widnes, wants to see a World Club Challenge game played in Australia.

The Storm are in the UK for their match with Super League champions Leeds at Headingley on Friday, aiming to be crowned the best team in the world.

It’s the 14th consecutive year the game has been played in the UK, since it was revived in 2000.

Cahill, who played for the Storm in their 18-10 win over Leeds in 2010, thinks it’s time that fans Down Under embraced the game as much as it is over here.

He told the official Widnes website: “I played in a World Club Challenge for Melbourne Storm back in 2010 and I can safely say it was one of the highlights of my career.

“It’s amazing to see the level in which the British community embrace the competition, and I predict that the atmosphere inside Headingley will be second to none in just over a week’s time.

“On the other hand, it would be great to see one of these games taking place back in Australia as it hasn’t happened in a while. It would at least give the English clubs the chance to experience some sunshine for a change.

“In terms of my score prediction, I think that both sides have some talented individuals who are capable of winning the tie on the day, but the mental toughness and organisation in the Melbourne camp will just see them through by 6 points.”

Leeds are looking to become the first team to win four world titles, as they look to defend the trophy they won against Manly last year.

Cahill and his team-mates have a weekend off this week, as they were due to face Leeds in Super League in a game that will now be played in June.

The Kiwi made eight appearances for the Storm in 2009 and 2010, before moving to Super League with Crusaders in 2011.