Leeds not seeking title re-award

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington believes that the Rhinos achievements in recent years have been elevated even further by the revelations in Australia that NRL Champions Melbourne Storm have been found guilty of a series of salary cap breaches amounting to at least $1.7million over five years.

The Rhinos, who have won the last three Engage Super League Grand Finals, have faced Melbourne twice in the period that has been investigated in the World Club Challenge. In 2008, Leeds won a tight affair at Elland Road before narrowly losing earlier this year at the same venue.

Commenting on the announcement over in Australia, Hetherington said, “Melbourne Storm have been the dominant force in the NRL over the past five years and it is clear to see why now. I think if anything it actually elevates the achievements of our players. In 2008 we manage to beat Melbourne and this year we pushed them all the way.

“I have noticed the punishment in Australia has seen Melbourne stripped of their titles in their domestic competition but those titles have not been awarded to the teams that they beat and I think that is correct. Trophies are earned on the day of the game and we would not look to seek the awarding of the World title after the event.

“However, Melbourne have also been stripped of the prize money they obtained during the period in which they were found guilty and I am sure this is something that the RFL will be looking into as part of the arrangements for the Gillette World Club Challenge,” added Hetherington.