McNamara wishes rivals luck

Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara has sent Leeds Rhinos a ‘Good Luck’ message as the Engage Super League champions prepare to fly the flag for England in their Gillette World Club Challenge with Australian champions Melbourne Storm next month.

Leeds and Melbourne meet at Elland Road on Sunday February 28, two years after the two clubs played out an epic World Club Challenge match at the same venue which ended with the Rhinos completing a memorable 11-4 victory.

“On the back of an improved international performance there is a lot more positivity around the country and if Leeds can go out there and back that up against a very good side in Melbourne, we’ll all be very happy,” said the Bradford Head Coach and England assistant coach.

Leeds Rhinos go into the Gillette World Club Challenge on the back of three consecutive Engage Super League titles and McNamara is confident that the Rhinos have what it takes to beat a strong Melbourne Storm side containing the likes of Gillette Four Nations winners Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis.

“I wish Leeds all the success, I really do,” added McNamara. “They have obviously got a great platform there and they’ve shown the way forward.

“And in terms of England versus Australia, we want our English side to go out there and put the best foot forward and continue the good work done by the England side in the Four Nations this year.”

To purchase tickets for Leeds Rhinos versus Melbourne Storm at Elland Road, Leeds, on Sunday February 28 (6.30pm) contact the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 11 13 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk

Tickets are also available from the Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office in person at Headingley Carnegie Stadium or by calling 0871 423 13 15.