World Club Challenge expansion to be discussed

Proposals to expand Rugby League World Club Challenge are to be considered by a newly-formed Working Party comprised of representatives of the Stobart Super League and the NRL.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood and his counterpart from the Australian Rugby League Commission, David Gallup, discussed the proposals this week at a meeting of the Rugby League International Federation in London and agreed that the initiative is worthy of further investigation.

David Gallop said: “I am a huge supporter of the World Club Challenge concept and am looking to exploring ways in which we can build on the success and popularity of the matches between the respective NRL and Super League champions.

“I will be joined by Shane Richardson (South Sydney CEO) and Peter Doust (St George Illawarra Dragons CEO) on the Working Party and we look forward to working with Nigel and the Super League representatives to discuss all the options for the future of the World Club Challenge.”

Nigel Wood said: “There are a few logistical issues to be taken into consideration but it is clear that there is an appetite for more cross-competition fixtures involving Super League and NRL clubs.

“The World Club Challenge has produced some excellent and closely fought contests in the last few years and has been popular with both the public and players alike.

“It’s also important to stress that any expansion of the World Club Challenge would be in addition to, and not at the expense of international competition which will continue to have primacy.”