manly pursuits
It looks suspiciously as though this could be the year when British dominance in the World Club Challenge comes to an end.
It's not that Leeds are unworthy British representatives. Quite the opposite - they won Super League in style last year. This year, however, they have had their worst run of injuries for a very long time.
They have had seven players under a cloud this week, including two internationals - Brent Webb and Rob Burrow - who haven't played at all this year. It is asking a lot from either of them to be thrown straight in on Sunday night.
Danny Buderus is already ruled out, whilst the Rhinos' other overseas signing, Greg Eastwood, is still tied up in red tape.
The other reason for not fancying them is that their opponents Manly are very close to full strength. They have come out here in numbers and wit the loo9k of a club that means business.
THey werer the first Australian club to come here on this quest, when they played Wigan in 1987. UNLike that venture, I fancy them strongly to succeed this time.
It's not that Leeds are unworthy British representatives. Quite the opposite - they won Super League in style last year. This year, however, they have had their worst run of injuries for a very long time.
They have had seven players under a cloud this week, including two internationals - Brent Webb and Rob Burrow - who haven't played at all this year. It is asking a lot from either of them to be thrown straight in on Sunday night.
Danny Buderus is already ruled out, whilst the Rhinos' other overseas signing, Greg Eastwood, is still tied up in red tape.
The other reason for not fancying them is that their opponents Manly are very close to full strength. They have come out here in numbers and wit the loo9k of a club that means business.
THey werer the first Australian club to come here on this quest, when they played Wigan in 1987. UNLike that venture, I fancy them strongly to succeed this time.