Brian McDermott unhappy with World Club Challenge organisers


A row has erupted on the eve of the 2018 World Club Challenge after Leeds coach Brian McDermott accused organisers of going back on their word.

McDermott is angry after being told that Friday's game against Melbourne at AAMI Park will be officiated by two referees instead of one.

The former Great Britain international says he received assurances that the game would be played under international rules, which would mean the one-referee system that is also used in Super League.

"It's not good," McDermott said. "I don't think there's anything sinister from the NRL but their competition plays with two referees and our competition plays with one.

"There's been all sorts of dialogue over the last few years about whether we should move to two and therefore we know enough about it. But we're not happy that this has been almost forced upon us. We agreed in England some parameters of how we're going to play the game such as the rotations.

"The NRL play with eight and we play with 10 and we agreed to go with 12. The term that was used was international rules and international rules are that you play with one referee. We've just been informed we're playing with two.

"We've got nothing to hide and I don't think the referee is going to find any cynical play from us. I just hope they don't showcase two referees and it becomes a penalty-ridden game."

Leeds agreed to become only the second Super League club after Wigan to travel down under for the annual clash of the champions when Melbourne declined to make the trip to England.

The Rhinos still have an injury doubt over stand-off Joel Moon, who missed last Thursday's league game against Hull KR with a hamstring problem, but second rower Brett Delaney has recovered from a head knock sustained in that match.

"Brett Delaney had to see a concussion specialist while he was out here and he's been given the green light," McDermott said. "Joel Moon hasn't trained so far this week - he's still having some issues with his back - but we expect him to play. Moony is one of those players who doesn't need a whole raft of training. There's no guarantee he'll play but we're hopeful."

Back rower Carl Ablett also sat out training on Wednesday after struggling with a groin injury but is expected to recover in time.

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