WCC now at Bolton
Friday December 08, 2006
After weeks of uncertainty, the 2007 Carnegie World Club Challenge between English Super League Champions St Helens and NRL premiers the Ergon Energy Broncos will be played at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.
The clash, which will be played on Friday February 23, will be a repeat of the 2001 World Club Challenge at the same venue when St Helens secured a last-minute 20-18 win over the Broncos in what was a hugely dramatic encounter.
Of the St Helens team in action that evening, only current Man of Steel Paul Wellens, Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham and captain Paul Sculthorpe are still with the Knowsley Road club. Halfback Long secured the victory over the Broncos with a late field goal.
Broncos survivors from that match are current Test players Darren Lockyer, Shaun Berrigan (pictured) and Petero Civoniceva, as well as Dane Carlaw. Justin Hodges travelled with the team but did not play.
Commenting on the announcement of the match, St Helens Chief Executive Sean McGuire said: "Now we have the venue confirmed, the build-up and anticipation for the match can begin in earnest.
"Everybody at the club is tremendously excited by the prospect of competing in the 2007 Carnegie World Club Challenge and all Saints fans will have great memories of that fantastic night in 2001 when we lifted the trophy against Brisbane".
He added: "The Broncos have shown their quality last season as indeed we have in securing the Super League championship and supporters should expect a truly fantastic contest with so many great players on both sides.
"The title of best Rugby League club in the world is an extremely attractive one and supporters should not miss out on what will be an amazing event".
Source:www.broncos.com.au