It was clear when 33,000 Leeds Rhinos fans went to their seats from the concords that the game they were about to witness was not going to be free-flowing rugby league that Rhinos fans began to expect.

Gale force winds were blowing all the cones Willie Poching carefully set up for the warm up. This really did indicate that it wouldn't be the best game for kicking...

Leeds Rhinos were without Ian Kirke (hamstring injury) who played in the Grand Final at the end of last season for the World Club Challenge, but on hand was Nick Scruton who finally had his chance to impress the new boss. Apart from this, it was the same squad that was victorious against Saints last October.

The Leeds Rhinos took to the field in the new yellow 'v' away kit and had the wind in their faces for the opening half. Melbourne opened the game with a kick that went dead, the best possible start for Leeds. The Rhinos took the penalty, but the Melbourne defence was strong - the Storm were certainly not taking this as a pre season friendly.

As the minutes passed, both sides failed to break each others lines.

We were made to wait until 12 minutes when the first points on the board came from Kevin Sinfield who converted a penalty under the posts after Melbourne full back Slater passed the ball off the ground when he collected a grubber kick.

Leeds were the first point scorers, but Melbourne were the first to score a try. Cronk passed out to the Storm's second row foward, Hoffman, which confused the Rhinos defence who were expecting a late pass to the wing, and went over the whitewash in front of the South Stand at Elland Road. Turner failed to convert, but the Storm, in stormy conditions, were in the lead by 2.

Just before 25 minutes had passed, Danny McGuire kicked on the last tackle before he was struck by a very late tackle, not seen by the match officials. The club have announced that Danny McGuire has a broken collar bone which is expected to mean he will probably be out for at least 5 weeks.

With only 1 minute remaining in the first half, Leeds hit back with a great try which was set up by Brent Webb almost side stepping to the left of the sticks before making a brilliant long pass out to Scott Donald on the wing, who went over the line. Sinny added the extras and continued his consequtive scoring run. Leeds went into the tunnel at half time in the lead by 8 points to 4.

It was 20 minutes before more points were added to the board. Rob Burrow earned the penalty for Sinfield after he was caught with a late tackle after kicking the ball on the last. Kev found his boot for a 10-4 lead even though a laser pens was aimed at him.

Leeds had a chance to seal the game on 67 minutes when Sinfield kicked cross field to Ablett who knocked tried to collect the ball, but consequently knocked on, although it did look like it came off his knee in the stadium.

The final points in the game came from Kevin Sinfield who this time went for the 1 pointer from the 25 metre line with less than ten minutes to go. The attempt was successful and Melbourne now had to score 2 trys - very unlikely under the conditions.

With only 1 minute remaining, it looked like the Storm were going to get a try back, but for once, the touch judge made a decision. He ruled it to be 'foot in touch'. But Klein still didn't trust him and went to the screen.

Leeds Rhinos - World Club Champions.

The conditions were tough for both sides today. The Aussie press will make excuses about them not being used to the climate, but neither were Leeds with gales like those!

The forwards from both sides were outstanding on Friday. Melbourne did succed in their game plan sometimes of hard hits, or maybe that's just the NRL for you. Leeds, on the other hand, played a patient yet proffesional game which earned them the right to be named World Club Champions.

It maybe another major title for the Rhinos but at what cost? McGuire has 'soft tissue damage' and Toopi has a dislocated shoulder. Luckily for Senior, he has shook off his injury he picked up in the last quarter of the second half.

Well done to Kevin Sinfield, a worthy man of the match and a great captain for the Rhinos. Also, a big well done to the pack of forwards who kept the Storm at bay for so long.

Super League Champions, World Club Champions...lets hope the dominance can continue!

Referee: Ashley Klein

Video Referee: Phil Bentham

Keep a look out on the navigation of leedsrhinos.biz - a full match gallery will be available for this game!

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