04 February 2010 20:15
Harlequins get ready for the Storm
London’s only Super League team will pit themselves against the best Australia have to offer as Melbourne Storm prepare to face Leeds Rhinos in the Gillette Fushion World Club Challenge.
editor@newzealandtimes.co.uk
London Rugby League fans are in for an absolute treat. The 2009 NRL premiers front up to London's Harlequins RL, on February 21st at Twickenham Stoop, in preperation for their World Club Challenge match against the Rhinos in Leeds on February 28th
Harlequens fans are already well aquainted with the best of the Melbourne pack who were heavily represented in the 4 Nations clash between Australia and New Zealand in October, which was played at The Stoop.
That evening, a packed Stoop enjoyed an electrifying display of world class League and can expect the same when the Billy Slater – widely regarded as the best player in the world - Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Brett White, Ryan Hoffman, Adam Blair and Jeff Lima pitch up again this month in Storm colours.
Paul Blanchard, Harlequins Rugby League general manager, said:
“We are really looking forward to welcoming back the fans – and players – who were at the Stoop recently for Australia v New Zealand in the 4 Nations. We hope we’ll create a similar atmosphere and crowd when we play Melbourne.
“This fixture is a great opportunity to further promote Rugby League in London and entice new fans to the game with a real sporting spectacle.”
In February of last year, Harlequins entertained the 2008 NRL champions, Manly Sea Eagles in the inaugural London Rugby League Challenge.
Thousands witnessed an exhilarating battle with the eventual world champions and Harlequins Rugby League head coach Brian McDermott is looking forward to this year’s event:
“If last year’s match was anything to go by, I think fans are in for a real treat. Anyone that went to the Australia v New Zealand game will have had their appetites whet and we plan for more of the same when we host Melbourne.
“Melbourne and Harlequins share similarities in that we both play outside of the ‘Rugby League heartland’ in our respective countries but have proved over the years we can compete at the top level.
“Melbourne have several world class players; I want to win this game and say that we competed with the best in Australia.”
The Harlequins RL v Melbourne Storm match at Twickenham Stoop kicks off at 2pm on Sunday Febraury 21st,
Ticket are £10 adults, £5 children and available from www.league.quins.co.uk or by calling 0871 527 1315.
To enter the competition to WIN tickets to the match, click here