Leeds will stage rugby league’s World Club Challenge against North Queensland at Headingley rather than Elland Road.
The Super League champions will be assured of a full house when they take on the NRL grand final winners on February 21.
The Rhinos drew a crowd of 37,208 for the first of four World Club Challenges to be staged at Elland Road, against Canterbury in 2005, but have since played to full houses at Headingley in 2012 and 2013.
Leeds enjoyed a near-capacity crowd of 20,158 for their recent tour game with New Zealand and tickets are sure to be in big demand for the visit of the Cowboys.
The decision was welcomed by hooker Rob Burrow, who has appeared in all six of the Rhinos’ previous World Club Challenges.
He said: “It will be special to be back at Headingley Carnegie and taking on North Queensland.
“They had a tremendous season last year and made their own history by winning the NRL grand final for the first time so it sets things up nicely with us having achieved something special in 2015 as well.
“In Johnathan Thurston they have one of the stars of our game and I am sure many young fans will be keen to see him in action as well as cheering the Rhinos on.”
The clash of the champions will be the climax to the 2016 World Club Series, which will kick off on Friday, February 19 with St Helens taking on Sydney Roosters, followed by Wigan’s clash with Brisbane Broncos 24 hours later.
The NRL completed a 3-0 whitewash of their Super League counterparts in the inaugural World Club Series in 2015.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Somewhere down the line for the idea to be mutually beneficial you'd think they'd have to play in Australia every once in a while. I think Brisbane v Wigan will sell out or at least go close. They've developed a good rivalry in few encounters. Probably the best inter comp rivalry (in RL that is) I can think of. Last years match I don't think was taken seriously by either side, (interestingly Bennett complained about having to play golden point for what was essentially an exhibition) but the fans seemed to really get behind it. If Brisbane were to get serious though like Souths did last year I don't see them losing, but uncle Wayne won't be approaching this as much more than an extra game in a busy pre season.
Glenn Innes
Guest
Last years game between Brisbane and Wigan at DW stadium drew 20 204, the stadium holds 26 000 so they don't need a bigger stadium, A few years back Brisbane played Snt Helens in a WCC and Saints did move it to a bigger stadium down the road at Bolton and pulled 19k their own ground holds nearly eighteen so it makes no sense to move either game. I really like this concept and I hope it evolves into a tournament format, this really is a concrete realistic and achievable goal to help promote the game in England.Please forget about playing it in Australia, ever, they need it far more than we do.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Sinfield, I think, is a massive loss for Leeds.
Niall
Guest
It won't happen,Riley. The only game worth moving would have been Leeds vs NQ to Elland Road. Its best for St Helens to play their game at home because it will probably sell-out and make them a nice pay day. Same goes for Wigan, who won't make as much as St Helens because they only rent the DW Stadium. The costs would not be covered if the games were taken to the bigger grounds in the north west.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I think staging the games in the UK helps the Super Leaguemore than if they were played in Australia.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Hi Mamma.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
3-0 easy to the NRL. I like Super LEague, but it is several leagues below the NRL.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Leeds, Sydney and Wigan will win. I hope Wigan or St Helens move their matches to bigger venues.
Mamma
Guest
The reason is why this farce is held in Britain because no-one in Australia can be bothered with one sided games...Its only held to give british people the idea that the Super league compares to the NRL whereas anytime a club has come to Australia recently (and its very rare) they have been flogged)...
Baracuda
Guest
The Cowboys will have their work cut out for them, Leeds could succesfully ply their trade in the NRL. On the other hand why don't we see the series played over 2 legs and the team with the most points over the 2 games (aggregate score) is deemed the winner.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Ye gads, I'm looking forward to these matches.