England is looking forward for another clash against Australia - Rugby League
While talking to reporters on November 23, Leeds Rhinos coach, Brian McDermott, shared that he is looking forward to the battle against Manly Sea Eagles during the World Club Challenge 2012.
The venue of the final clash is Headingley on February 17. England has kept the 12-year tradition alive by agreeing to host the final of the series. However, it was tough for them to take up the final this year as there was a clash with Super League
2012’s schedule. Nonetheless, that issue was resolved by shifting the Super League match of England to some newer future dates.
Before confirming the finalised venue, a couple of other options were explored, but time was short and the venue could not be shifted. Australia and neutral grounds such as Dubai were also considered for hosting the match but limited time did not allow
that to happen.
The decision of contesting it in England can benefit Leeds, who are fresh from their defeat against Australia in a Four Nations 2011 title decider at Elland Roads. During the Four Nations, England had been looking to bag the title this year but in
the final clash they under-performed against the superior Aussies, which cost them heavily. The Club Challenge is considered to be another chance for England, where they will once again test their skills against Australia.
Expressing his views about the recent Four Nations 30-8 defeat by the Kangaroos and the feeling of meeting them again, McDermott said, "We'd have played them on their side of the world but the next best thing is to be here in front of our home crowd
and hopefully the rest of Super League's fans as well."
Through this arrangement, the English side will have home-ground advantage over Australia but is not enough to guess the winning side. Australia is considered very strong as a team, and it seems it does not effect them playing off-shore or on home
ground. They are known to be brilliant with their on-field action at all location.
Meanwhile, England are eager to lock horns with the Aussies again. This was also endorsed by Rhinos captain, Kevin Sinfield, who was also part of the Four Nations. He said, "It's always nice to play against the Australian sides. We weren't good enough
at the weekend but I'm sure the guys involved would love to get another crack, especially against Manly. We have some good memories from our previous World Club Challenges at Elland Road but to take on the NRL champions on our home ground will be incredible.”
He further went on and added that all players have been talking about the World Club Challenge ever since the Grand Final took place and Sinfield is so excited about it that he wished that it could take place tomorrow.
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