AP – Leeds halfback Rob Burrow is hoping for some happier memories from this weekend’s World Club Challenge (WCC) against Manly after struggling to recall much of the last encounter.
Burrow was knocked out just 15 minutes into the 2009 showdown with the Australian champions at Elland Road by a crunching tackle from Anthony Watmough and has little recollection of the Rhinos’ 28-20 defeat.
“I can remember bits when I have watched it on television but not much else,” said Burrow, who is one of 11 Leeds players from that meeting three years ago that will line up at Headingley on Friday night in front of an expected crowd of 21,000.
“It’s going to be incredible with a full house and hopefully it will be an unforgettable night.
“They’re great games to play in. It’s a chance to test your team against the best in the world and the fact that it’s England v Australia again has that extra little spice.”
Burrow believes the current Leeds team is better than the 2009 vintage but admits the Sea Eagles also have an array of talent.
He has highlighted the danger posed by former St Helens centre Jamie Lyon and international halves Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans but says Manly’s threat could come from anywhere.
“They’ve got some quality young half-backs that push the team around and a massive pack and we all know what Jamie Lyon can do,” he said. “You can go from one to 17 and they are all quality players.
“I do think we’re a better team, though. We’ve a new coach and some great additions. We’re excited and confident.”
Leeds winger Ben Jones-Bishop is set to make his first appearance of the season after being included in coach Brian McDermott’s 19-man squad as a replacement for Lee Smith, who has been ruled out with a rib injury suffered in the defeat at Wigan.
Leeds: Brent Webb, Ben Jones-Bishop, Kallum Watkins, Zak Hardaker, Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Kylie Leuluai, Paul McShane, Jamie Peacock, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Carl Ablett, Kevin Sinfield. Res: Brett Delaney, Ryan Bailey, Ian Kirke, Chris Clarkson, Weller Hauraki, Darrell Griffin (two to be omitted).
