Poms propose clash of top NRL and Super League clubs - Herald Sun

Rather than dwelling on the fact their pre-season is being interrupted, the Melbourne Storm are looking at the World Club Challenge as a chance to see where they're at ahead of the NRL season.

Melbourne Storm celebrate beating Leeds Rhinos in the 2010 World Club Challenge as Cameron Smith lifts the trophy. Picture: Dave Williams/Rlphotos.com Source: Supplied

Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater on the attack in the 2010 World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos. Picture: Dave Williams/Rlphotos.com Source: Supplied

ENGLISH music promoter and owner of the Warrington Wolves Simon Moran - worth $350 million - has personally written to eight NRL clubs wanting to introduce a revolutionary rugby league World Series.

The Daily Telegraph has obtained the letter Moran wrote to Canterbury, Souths, Manly, Brisbane, Melbourne, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Newcastle seeking approval for the historic concept involving the top NRL and Super League sides.

Moran asks clubs for a straw poll "as to the level of interest" in having a three-game weekend in England where the two premiers play - still for the World Club Challenge - with sides running second and third in both competitions to also do battle.

The nation with the most wins would claim the trophy.

It would be a spectacular weekend - to be played after this year's World Cup - for English rugby league.

Moran's email was copied to chief executives at Leeds, Wigan and St Helens.

"We believe this would be a very exciting proposition for the sport and really elevate the present World Club Challenge," Moran wrote.

"Timing would work very well following on from the 2013 World Cup in the UK. As per the World Club Challenge the costs of the NRL clubs taking part would be guaranteed.

"There would also be some level (to be agreed) of prizemoney for the winners of the World Cup Challenge and the World Series."

But the feedback from NRL clubs was only lukewarm last night. Although it could prove highly lucrative, clubs spoke about the physical burnout on players and whether a pre-season Nines tournament would add to an already hectic schedule.