Slater plots Leeds revenge
Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater has his sights fixed on revenge as his team prepares for their Gillette World Club Challenge showdown with Leeds Rhinos on Sunday February 28.
The clash at Elland Road, Leeds, is a repeat of the 2008 fixture which saw the Rhinos triumph 11-4 but the 26-year old Kangaroos full-back is warning Leeds Rhinos that they will be a different proposition to the side they faced two years ago.
Slater said: “We’ve had a massive turnover of players in the last few years and although there are a handful of the guys that are still there, we will be a different looking outfit.
“We had a few injuries last time we came over and were missing three key players in Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis and Michael Crocker. Hopefully everyone will be on board and we’re looking forward to coming over.”
Slater, who picked up the much coveted Clive Churchill award in Storm’s NRL Grand Final victory over Paramatta Eels, insists Melbourne are not underestimating their opposition after the Rhinos secured their third successive engage Super League title.
He said: “I haven’t seen too much of them, but they’ve certainly been a successful side over the last three years winning the title three years in a row.
“They’ve got some great players. It’s going to be tough, we played them two years ago at Elland Road and it was a tough game. Hopefully we can get one back on them this year.”
Slater, who played a huge part in Australia’s recent Four Nations Final victory over England, is hoping there is not a repeat of the gale force conditions that marred the 2008 World Club Challenge but says the Storm will be ready for anything.
“It would be nice to be able to throw the ball around,” he said. “I think Israel Folau kicked it in to row 15 off the kick-off last time. Whatever the conditions are thrown at us, we’ll have to put up with it.”
Tickets for the Gillette World Club Challenge at Elland Road on Sunday February 28 are now available and prices start from £20 or £10 concessions.
Supporters can take advantage of the popular Family Offer by purchasing two adult tickets and two juniors for just £40.
Leeds Rhinos season ticket holders can also get a 20 per cent discount on £30 tickets purchased before the deadline of Wednesday December 30.
To purchase tickets from the RFL Ticket Office please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call 0844 856 11 13.
Tickets are also available from the Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium or by calling 0871 423 13 15.