World Club Challenge Saved By Sydney Peace*Meeting

A SUMMIT between NRL boss David Gallop, Rugby Football League head Richard Lewis and St George Illawarra boss Peter Doust has ensured next year?s World Club Challenge won?t be called off.

British officials were dismayed the Dragons negotiated such a favourable deal from this year?s clash with Wigan that the prizemoney had to be slashed and little profit was made despite a full house at the DW Stadium.

The RFL wanted the NRL to make competing in the pre-season showpiece compulsory ? or else the entire fixture would be cancelled.

?I had a meeting with Richard and Dousty and the good news is it went well,? Gallop tells Rugby League Week.

?The World Club Challenge will definitely be on next year.

?We?ve decided to have a video conference later in the year between our club representatives and some English club representatives to discuss ways to make it successful and workable for everyone involved.

?The fact is, competing in it was always compulsory ? regardless of what people might have thought.?

Doust did not attend the meeting two Fridays ago because it?s assumed the Dragons will win the 2011 premiership ? he was there to resolve any lingering ill-feeling over this year?s match. The joint venture beat Wigan 21-15.

?We want to have a template which all clubs go by in future,? said Gallop. ?There was a template before but the Dragons weren?t able to fit it for a number of reasons so they negotiated a few extras.?

There will be no additional teams or move away from a UK venue for the time being. RLW understands the NRL may kick off a week early next year ? on March 2. That means the WCC is likely to be on Sunday, February 19.

Filed for: RUGBY LEAGUE WEEK

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