Manly Sea Eagles thinking of host World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos
While talking to reporters on Monday, October 10, Manly Sea Eagles officials confirmed that they are exploring the possibility of hosting World Club Challenge 2012 against Leeds Rhinos.
Rhinos clinched the Super League Grand Final title against St. Helens with their massive 32-16 win at the Old Trafford Stadium in Saturday night’s clash. With this win, Leeds have become the first team ever to walk away with the Grand Final Glory after they
finished their regular season at fifth place within the League standings.
The win has more to it this was Brian McDermott’s first season in charge with Leeds that finished off at a very high note for him, which makes him the third person ever to achieve the Grand Final glory during his very first season.
While talking to Sydney Morning Herald, Sea Eagles chairman, Scott Penn stated, "If it is possible, we would certainly like to play it here. I don't know if there are any contractual issues with the Rugby Football League but, if Leeds were happy to come
here, that would be our preference. David is having a meeting with the NRL this week so we should know more after that. If it comes down to finances, I think the game would make more money here as we could get 80,000 at ANZ Stadium or 50,000 at Suncorp Stadium."
Des Hasler, Manly coach, has begun with his preparations to play against Leeds at Elland Road on February 11 but the venue is still undecided. Sea Eagles are pushing for a venue switch to Australia, which has been taken up by their chief executive, David
Perry, who is all set to discuss the possibility of the proposed venue at the National Rugby League(NRL) meeting later this week.
However, the decision about the venue switch remains undecided until the meeting gets convened later this week. However, traditionally the World Club Challenge, since its very inception, has always been England. A shift to Australia will not be easily absorbed
by the authorities but it may be worth a try.
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