Manly Or Leeds In The World Cup Challenge?

As you can probably tell I am not a fan of pre-season football. I don't understand why governing bodies create fixtures that put more stress on their players. They have busy schedules as it is and I fail to see the point in having top class professional athletes endanger themselves in games that are billed as mattering, but in reality have no importance whatsoever.
I am happy to say, however, that one exception to this rule is the Charity Shield in Rugby League. This is an annual affair played between the two most famous clubs in Sydney the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Dragons. This game has been played for many years and it is special in so many ways. Firstly it raises money for charity which is always a good thing but it goes much deeper than that. Many years ago this game erupted in a massive all in brawl and the intensity and passion has remained ever since.
The success starved South Sydney have always treated it like a Grand Final and this year will be no different. The other factor of great importance is that it will be the first serious hit out for the Dragons since appointing their new coach Wayne Bennett. Bennett is probably the greatest coach the game has ever seen and the Saints will be more confident than ever of breaking their drought in the next few seasons. Sportsbet.com.au will be booking this game though we will have to wait a little longer to see what the starting market is. I think St George is the better team, but I think this game is really too close to call. If the market is really close then get on the Dragons but certainly don't take anything under $1.70.
The other big game this weekend is the World Club Challenge between the Leeds Rhinos and the Manly Sea Eagles. This game will see the champion English team take on the champion Australian team. This sounds like a great idea; however the game never really lives up to expectation and is a horrible lead up for the regular season for the Australian side. The market has both teams at $1.91, so expect a close encounter. I always tend to lean towards the English side as they are usually the better prepared.

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print