Betts backs World Club Series concept

Widnes coach Denis Betts believes that the World Club Series is an innovative concept that can help grow rugby league’s audience.

Despite many observers predicting an NRL clean sweep in this year’s three games, Betts thinks the concept is well worth persevering with.

He will also be supporting St Helens, Wigan and Leeds in their quest to beat Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys in this year’s event.

“You’ve got to start somewhere, and the concept itself is great,” he said.

“I like the concept, I like the idea. I like the fact that this year it’s the top three sides from both parts of the world.

“If we [Super League] come out the wrong side of it again, it’s not a reason to stop going at it.

“We’ve been pretty successful as a nation with regards to winning World Club Challenges.

“I think Australia are taking it a little further again, and taking it a bit more seriously by sending over their best three teams, which they haven’t done a couple of times in the past.

“That’s something that we’ve got to keep driving. The concept is a great one.

“I’ll take my Widnes hat off and become a rugby league fan this weekend, and I want all the English sides to do exceptionally well.”