Leeds Rhinos tonight threw down a challenge for Australia to host next year's Carnegie World Club Challenge after overcoming Canterbury Bulldogs 39-32 in a pulsating contest at Elland Road.

The Rhinos held off a spirited late rally from the Australian premiers to become the fourth British winners of the challenge since it was reintroduced in 2000.

All six contests have been held in Britain and Friday night's crowd of 37,028 was a record for this country but Leeds coach Tony Smith and chief executive Gary Hetherington both called for the event to be held Down Under.

"We'd really like to play it over there if we are fortunate enough to get the opportunity again," said Smith.

And Hetherington said: "The challenge has been thrown down on behalf of both Leeds Rhinos and Super League generally.

"We desperately would like to play in Australia or New Zealand. That would be the ultimate challenge.

"I know there are some logistical problems but they can be overcome and I do believe that Super League clubs would be up to the test."

Leeds, urged on by a vociferous crowd, looked set to run riot when they led 38-12 after 54 minutes thanks to tries from Chev Walker, Mark Calderwood, Richie Mathers, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Willie Poching and Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

But the Aussies hit back with four tries in 15 minutes to close the gap to just six points and the Rhinos were grateful for skipper Kevin Sinfield's 78th-minute drop goal for calming their nerves.

"I'm usually calm and collected but it was a bit nerve-wracking at the end," admitted Smith.

"The message went out for a drop goal but getting to the other end was the hard part. Fortunately the opportunity arose."

Canterbury, who were without seven of their Grand Final-winning team, made it difficult for themselves by gifting Leeds two of their seven tries.

Although they trailed 26-6 at half-time, coach Steve Folkes never gave up hope of clawing back the deficit and he was happy with his side's efforts.

"Twenty points is not a lot in the modern game," he said. "We fell short at the end but I was really happy with the effort.

"A few of the young guys really stood up and acquitted themselves well."

Great Britain stand-off McGuire, who scored a magical solo try midway through the first half, shrugged off a groin injury to win the man-of-the-match award to help make up for Britain's 44-4 humiliation in the Tri-Nations Series final at the same venue three months ago.

"I felt it a little bit but your don't feel the pain in these big games," he said.