Event of the Day: Melbourne Storm versus Leeds Rhinos

Our event of the day is the World Club Challenge game between Melbourne Storm and Leeds Rhinos at AAMI Park in Melbourne. For the first time since 2014, the event returns to a one-game format and in its 26thedition it will be hosted by the city of Melbourne for the first time. Leeds Rhinos are champions of the European Super League, while Melbourne Storm won the 2017 Australasian National Rugby League to clinch a place in the World Club Challenge match. The Rhinos will be aiming for their fourth title, in their eighth appearance in the competition, having won in 2005, 2008 and 2012. This feat would see them equal the record currently held by the reigning champions Wigan Warriors, who won their fourth title in February 2017.

The Storm have recorded two World Club Challenge triumphs – in 2000 and in 2013 when they beat the Rhinos 18-14 at Headingley in Leeds. Leeds and Melbourne have met twice before besides – the Rhinos won 11-4 in 2008, before the Storm got their revenge two years later (18-10), but they were later stripped of this title, as the club were found guilty of salary cup breaches and the 2010 title lies vacant. Although they are the underdogs in today’s fixture, Leeds hope to benefit from the fact they have played two league games already, while the hosts are still in preseason. However, Melbourne have won all 10 of their previous matches, and five of the last six by a point margin of 26 or more. Jimmy Keinhorst could retain his place in the Rhinos’ team after his impressive hat-trick of tries against Hull Kingston Rovers last Thursday. It should be a thrilling contest at AAMI Park today.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FA Cup game of the fifth round between Chelsea and Hull City at the Stamford Bridge in London. Chelsea have bounced back in the Premier League after two disappointing losses by beating West Brom 3-0 at home on Monday, while the Tigers recorded a hugely important 2-0 away victory over Nottingham Forest in the Championship, as they fight to avoid relegation. In cricket, there’s a Twenty20 match in the Trans-Tasman Tri-Series between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park in Auckland. South Africa and India clash in their 6th ODI at the SuperSport Park at Centurion. It’s Day 2 of the PGA Tour golf tournament Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles; and Day 2 of the NBO Oman Open at the Al Mouj Golf in Muscat. It’s the fifth day of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at the Ahoy Rotterdam arena in Rotterdam. Day 7 at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang has the Men’s Super G and Ladies’ Slalom in alpine skiing; Men’s 15km Free race in cross-country; Ladies’ Aerials in freestyle skiing; Men’s Skeleton; Ladies’ Speed Skating and Ladies’ Snowboard Cross final. In the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets host the Colorado Avalanche at the Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by Rhinos; Storm