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The annual World Club Challenge, which sees the premiers from the world’s two top Rugby League competitions go to battle for the ultimate title of ‘world’s best club’, is undergoing an exciting new expansion that will see three clubs from both the NRL and Super League compete.
The restructured competition, which is to be renamed the World Cup Challenge, will undoubtedly build on the popularity of the old ‘Challenge’ format, which has been a highlight of the league calendar since its inception since 1976.
Wigan Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin said that he has found memories of taking part in the World Club Challenge.
“Having played in a couple of World Club Challenge games during my career I know just how good it is to test ourselves against the best club sides from the NRL” he said.
“The new expanded competition looks very exciting and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Beginning in 2015, the premiers from each competition will be joined by two additional top-ranking sides to compete across the three day competition.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos have already confirmed their involvement, even if they don’t win this year’s NRL grand final – and will be joined by the 2014 premiers.
Todd Greenberg, the NRL’s Head of Football, has indicated that the expanded competition will add greater interest to the annual contest.
“Australian fans already love seeing the Premiers go up against the best of Britain – but having three teams from each competition will really add to the excitement,” he said.
The Super League has taken a more judicious approach to team selection and will be represented by the 2014 Grand Finalists plus the third highest ranked team from the Northern Hemisphere competition.
The excitement from the UK appears reciprocal.
Super League General Manager Blake Solly said: “We are delighted to be hosting the World Club Series here in England, and are very excited about the opportunity to build and expand on what is an already outstanding concept.
“It is a chance for the teams to go head-to-head in battle before huge crowds to show which is the best competition and who are the best clubs in the world.”
There are however, concerns that the series, which caps off a hectic pre-season including the Nines tournament in Auckland, and the All Stars fixture plus regular trial matches, will be disadvantageous to NRL players with a heavy workload.
The World Cup Series is to be played in the UK from February 20-22 in 2015.
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