With no Auckland Nines being played this year the NRL season gets underway with the World Club Challenge in Melbourne.
Storm fans will get their first taste of life without Cooper Cronk as the former halfback lines-up for the Sydney Roosters this season. Storm skipper Cameron Smith has brushed off suggestions that he would be underdone heading into the clash. Smith has had an extended break in the off-season and the match on Friday is his first real hit out of 2018.
The Storm will be looking to become one of only four Aussie sides since the late seventies to have lifted the Minor Premiership, NRL title and World Club trophy. Cam Smith would be able to add these to his Origin and World Cup efforts.
Both sides have some injury concerns with the Storm missing Sam Kasiano and Leeds missing four of their front-row. With the match normally played in the UK, the Storm won’t have any excuses playing on their home turf at AAMI Park.
Win-Draw-Win
The Rhinos are hot under the collar with two referees being assigned to the match. In normal circumstances, WCC matches are played with a single referee.
With the warm weather and the Aussie conspiracies working against the English side, the Storm will be liking their chances. This is the third time that these two sides are meeting in the World Club Challenge. Leeds beat Melbourne (11-4) for the title in 2008 and the Storm (18-14) reversed the result in 2013.
The Rhinos head to Melbourne after wrapping up their eighth English Super League title. The Rhinos have won the event three times with their last title coming against Manly in 2012. Eleven members of the Storms premiership winning side will take the field on Friday night including Billy Slater and Cameron Munster.
The warmer conditions will work in favour of the Storm. These games are generally a close affair and the Storm will use their local knowledge to grind down the tourist for the win.
Tip: Leeds to beat the line (+20.5)