A quick show of hands, who outside of fans of the Rabbits, Broncos and Dragons, has anything more than a passing interest in the expanded World Club Challenge series later this month?
Apart from the St Helens vs Bunnies game, which will see the Super League Champions take on the NRL Premiers as per the traditional set up of this fixture, I have little interest at all.
My interest in the genuine World Club Challenge is simply to gloat that despite being out of season, having to travel half way around the world, and play in freezing conditions after enjoying 25-30 degree temps during the off-season, that itโs likely the Rabbits will wipe the Saints off the park.
I donโt intend on turning this into a debate re which league is stronger, as there is no debate.
The NRL is far superior. Iโve always said an NRL side that finishes in the bottom half of the table could beat any Super League side that finishes in the top half, all things being equal. (which they never are)
We will see if this is true when the Dragons, who finished 11th will take on a Warrington side that finished third in their competition.
A quick question tho, why is a team that finished outside the top eight, let alone top three, last season, which has been decimated during the off-season, lost the best winger in the world, and are third favourite to capture the wooden spoon this season, travelling to represent Australia in this โeventโ?
Why are the Broncos, who finished eighth and were knocked out in the first week of the finals series, travelling?
Why are the Roosters and Sea Eagles not travelling?
Simply put, they donโt care.
The Roosters comprehensively beat a travelling Wigan side, whilst not lifting out of second gear last season. They proved their point and I have no doubt they would put Wigan away again should they travel. (For the record I am a Wigan fan)
Manly, despite being a little understrength from last season after losing the likes of Watmough, Stewart and King, still have more than enough to belt Warrington.
I read a twitter comment earlier that said โthe prize for winning the World Club challenge is a 48 hour round trip and fatigue.โ
I fully admit I enjoy the one off game between the premiers of both competitions, if for nothing more than a live game of footy being beamed into our lounge room.
I was there last year as a Wigan fan. I knew the Roosters would win the contest if they took it half seriously, and I had a ball.
If Wigan had not been playing I would not have gone to the game and probably wouldnโt have gone out of my way to catch it.
South Sydney have a busy pre-season, with the nines, Charity Shield and World Club Challenge. As reigning NRL premiers, this is expected and they can have no complaints.
For the life of me I donโt know why the Dragons and Broncos, who are paying their own way mind you, have any interest in the travel.
Any prize money and exposure on offer would surely be counter balanced negatively by the fact players will be on board an aircraft for almost two full days while other NRL sides will be playing trials having travelled far, FAR less.
For the record I hope the Bunnies and Dragons get up, Iโll support Wigan over the Broncos being a fan, but if results donโt go my way, to be frank, I canโt see myself caring.
Will you?
