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2004 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE CONFIRMED
From www.superleague.co.uk
The 2004 Rugby League World Club Challenge will see Bradford Bulls take on Penrith Panthers at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium on Friday 13 February.
The Bulls are looking to repeat their success of 2002 at the venue - when they defeated NRL champions Newcastle Knights 41-26 - when they take on the new Australian Premiers.
The game will give four of Penrith's Kangaroo Tourists the chance to play at The McAlpine Stadium after missing out on representing Australia in the Third Test of the recent Think! Road Safety Test Series.
Penrith skipper Craig Gower missed the game after picking up a calf injury in the Second Test, while Ryan Girdler had already returned home after suffering his own calf tear.
Young pair Luke Lewis and Joel Clinton were not selected by coach Chris Anderson, but Trent Waterhouse did figure in the win over Great Britain - and all five are looking forward to returning.
"I got to play in two of the three Tests against Great Britain and I know there are some terrific players over there," said Gower.
"A couple of Penrith players, Luke Lewis and Joel Clinton, didn't get a run, so in a way we see it as unfinished business.
"Man for man we reckon we can match the Bulls - both up front and in the backs."
Bradford, though, have already claimed one Australian scalp at the venue, and captain Robbie Paul sees topping the Panthers as a major goal following their clean sweep of trophies in the British game in 2003.
"We are taking this game as seriously as we did against Newcastle Knights," said Paul. "All of our pre-season training will be invested into defeating the Panthers.
"They are a good side. But we believe that we're a match for any team and it's very special to get the opportunity to be called a 'World Champion'."
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Can't wait!
