Premier

Melbourne Storming On To The World Stage

13 November 2017

Victoria will host another massive international rugby league blockbuster next year when our reigning NRL premiers, Melbourne Storm, take on Super League title holders Leeds Rhinos for the 2018 World Club Challenge.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined the coaches from both teams today to announce that the fixture will take place at AAMI Park on Friday 16 February 2018.

This is just the third time the World Club Challenge has been held in Australia, and the first time in Melbourne.

The game will be broadcast live in Australia and around the world, showcasing the best of everything our state has to offer.

The Storm and Rhinos have already met three times in the World Club Challenge, with the Storm victorious twice over the Rhinos.

Today’s announcement follows a raft of recent rugby league events in Victoria. Melbourne hosted the opening game of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and will stage a quarter final match this Sunday.

A record crowd of 91,513 fans also packed the MCG for the 2015 State of Origin, with around 30,000 fans visiting from interstate and overseas – injecting more than $50 million to our economy.

The good news doesn’t stop there, with the MCG set to host the series opener of the 2018 State of Origin on 6 June 2018.

Tickets are on sale to Storm and Leeds members today at ticketek.com.au, with tickets opening to the public at 10:00am on Tuesday, 21 November.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“The World Club Challenge is right at home in the sporting capital. We can’t wait to get behind our Storm and help make them the world’s best rugby league team.”

“It’s yet another coup for the sports capital that will bring more visitors to Victoria – boosting businesses and supporting local jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy

“It will be fantastic to see rugby league take centre stage again at AAMI Park, having hosted record Storm crowds and the Rugby League World Cup this year.”

“I know our Storm members and fans as well as the sports enthusiasts will come out to support their Premiership team and to see some of the world’s best players take the field.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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