Leeds Rhinos win at Elland Road keeps the World Club Challenge trophy in England for a further 12 months and a fifth successive year following the hard fought victory over Melbourne Storm. The Super League champions adapted better to wild and windy conditions, with Kevin Sinfield’s kicking proving the major difference.
The Storm looked the more composed early on, and after a Sinfield penalty put Leeds ahead, Cooper Cronk played in Hoffman who jinked over after a flowing move. In appalling conditions, the game developed into an attritional battle in which Leeds were struggling to break down the formidable Melbourne defence. Rhinos retook the lead following Donalds try from a sweet move by Webb, this gave the Rhinos a lead of 8-4 at half-time.
In the second half, the Australian side worked hard to breakdown the Leeds rearguard, notably through Cronk, Billy Slater and Will Chambers. But they could find no way through and their frustration resulted in lapses in discipline, which Sinfield punished. The only downside on the night was injuries to: Danny McGuire, Clinton Toopi and Keith Senior, however they cannot detract from Leeds capturing the title for a second time.
Leeds: 11 (Try Donald, 3 Goals Sinfield, Drop Sinfield)
Melbourne: 4 (Try Hoffman)
