Who will win this clash?
Hope its played downunder, it would make the game more credible, certainly from the Australian perspective.

They've got to want it and make it financially viable down under. Leeds offered to play it there last season.

They've got to want it and make it financially viable down under. Leeds offered to play it there last season.

I am sure if there was a proper offer to play the game In Oz it would be looked at.
It has been commented several times by Aussie Clubs that no serious offer has been discussed its been media talk by SL Club Chairmen talking it up as in "we will take on all comers here or there..."

Would Leeds be happy to play the game four games into the NRL season though?

Could start to get the event a bigger profile and meet in the middle: Dubai.

If not, Elland Road. Can't think of anywhere else suitable in England, can't see Melbourne wanting to host it, although i'd absolutely love them to play it at MCG and promo the hell out of it, get an insane crowd and get the event the profile it deserves.

Sounds like a plan Jonny, the only issue with that is until the concept gets a following in Australia I suspect there would be little support from any Australian travelling fans, only expats working in Dubai.
This game gets barely mentioned in Australia by all counts, it would need to be developed and built, playing it downunder for the first time since 1994 would be a start.
It has only been played in Australia twice since its inception, is it any wonder that the Aussies (that know anything about the match) think its an exhibition match to please the "Pommies?"

It should be played in Australia, but we all know it won't be.

If both teams have a full-squad and play to their best - Melbourne by 30.

Play it down under if they can, let Leeds play their first game a week ahead of the season & a spare week in the middle so they can play the Storm when the NRL has started & they can prepare & travel properly then there are no moaning antipodeans & no excuses either way.

Bitter Wigan fan has sly dig



Would it have been 31 if Wigan had been good enough to make it?

Probably closer to 40. We're losing both of our half-backs, our best centre and one of our best props. All being replaced by "lesser" players.

Good point, which makes Leeds squad management and succession planning all the more impressive to come out on top when it matters 6 out of 9 years. Leeds squad is getting old and they're gradually replacing key players, it's one hell of a 'transition period' they're having.

If its played in Leeds, I'd expect Leeds to come out on top, Oz / another country, then Storm would win at a canter.