Expanded World Club Series set for 2015
The World Club Series will feature six teams in 2015, with three clubs from Super League facing off against three NRL giants.
In addition to the Grand Final winners from each competition playing each other, two teams each from Super League and the NRL will play two more games.
South Sydney Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos have already confirmed that they will be taking part, whether or not they reach the NRL Grand Final this season.
There has also been significant interest in taking part from other NRL clubs.
Super League‘s representatives will be the two Grand Finalists, plus the highest ranked other team.
Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin, who has played for Wigan in World Club Challenges in the past, is relishing the chance for Super League players to test themselves against the NRL‘s best.
“Having played in a couple of World Club Challenge games during my career I know just how good it is to test ourselves against the best club sides from the NRL,” he said.
“The new expanded competition looks very exciting and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Super League general manager Blake Solly added: “We are delighted to be hosting the World Club Series here in England, and are very excited about the opportunity to build and expand on what is an already outstanding concept.
“It is a chance for the teams to go head-to-head in battle before huge crowds to show which is the best competition and who are the best clubs in the world.”
NRL head of football, Todd Greenberg, is also delighted that fans will have the chance to see who is the “best club side in the world”.
“Australian fans already love seeing the Premiers go up against the best of Britain – but having three teams from each competition will really add to the excitement,” he said.
“Australian fans already love seeing the Premiers go up against the best of Britain – but having three teams from each competition will really add to the excitement,” he said.
The schedule and ticketing details will be announced later this year once the identity of the clubs involved is confirmed.