I agree. There is zero point in forcing the Storm to play, even if we could. If it ends up being a second team against us in Melbourne there is zero upside apart from a few quid in prize money, but the downside risk is high. As soon as they scheduled that Testimonial game they were making a very clear point about where the WCC sits for them, and whilst you might be able to force them to play, you can't make them care.

Australians and the NRL are not interested in international Rl be it club or country we all no that, they're so up their own backsides with their so called superior league and SOO, that they have damaged international Rl to a point of almost impossible disrepair. Melbourne snub of the WCC is just another nail in the coffin. The Rl international federation should put pressure on the NRL to make sure their championship team commits to the WCC, but it wont happen.

Friday 16th February 2018
Melbourne Storm v Leeds Rhinos
AAMI Park

According to The Game Caller, Mick Gledhill

In that case, book your flights to Beijing for some time in July.

It’s on the NRL news in Australia now apparently

that's our season knacked then

What a great experience for the players - let's hope Melbourne field a reasonably strong side

You could fly up from Melbourne Saturday morning and watch the double header, Hull v St. George and Wigan v Souths at the ANZ.

That is what I will be doing. Have yet to miss a WCC match played in Australia. Also going to the Hull v Wigan game.

Good man. I know some of the Wigan fans who will be over there are planning to fly down Friday morning, watch the Melbourne v Leeds game then fly back on Saturday for the double header. Me and the mrs are over there for the two Wigan games then having 5 days in Perth on the way back, hopefully bump into you at Wollongong.

Well looks like I'll be going to this game, I'll be in Australia for the Hull vs Wigan and Hull vs St George games. Staying in Melbourne the week between so I will be there on the 16th. May as well go to the game. Don't ask who I'm supporting.

100 days until the World Club Challenge, yet still no official announcement.

Sack it off for me.

Give it a year to air out and get some actual clauses properly inserted for the next lot.

They may be waiting for the WC to be over

Melbourne won't be in a rush to organise/confirm it. Won't bother them in the slightest that it'd help the Leeds club and its supporters to know as soon as possible so they can start sorting out travel etc.