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Saints vs Broncos Preview

20th Feb 2007, 10:15am

It could be counted as one of the best days in the Rugby League calendar and there will certainly be fireworks when the champions of Great Britain and the champions of Australia meet at the Reebok Stadium on Friday.

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson is certainly looking forward to the occasion.

“I am very excited about it as I am sure the players are too.”

If they do manage to become champions of the world, it will mean that the Saints will have all the trophies possible in the cabinet at one time, but Anderson is refusing to get carried away.

“It’s irrelevant at this point in the time, that’s a question asked of the winning coach on Friday 23rd.”

The Brisbane side have already beaten the Celtic Crusaders in a warm-up match but Anderson believes that result will have no relevance on the game at the Reebok.

“Whatever they threw out in that game won’t be indicative of what they produce at the Reebok. I know some of the players, as do a lot of the rugby league public.”

Saints have already played three super league games this season and Anderson says that this could either help or hinder his champion side.

Since the World Club Challenge was re-launched back in 2000, the Saints have appeared in it three times. The first time they were taken to the cleaners by a rampant Melbourne Storm side, losing 44-6 at the JJB Stadium.

The second time they appeared was actually against the Brisbane Broncos in a dramatic night at the Reebok Stadium in 2001. The Saints won the match that 20-18 thanks to drop goals from Sean Long and Paul Sculthorpe after they had fought back from 18-6 down.

The last occasion they took part in it was certainly a forgettable day, as Sydney City Roosters won 38-0 at the Reebok in 2003.

If Saints are successful, it will mean the trophy remaining in British hands for the fourth successful year.

Brisbane Broncos Profiles

Darren Lockyer, 30, captain and stand off

Darren Lockyer is one of the best players in the sport. Last year he captained Queensland to an Origin win and then Brisbane to championship trophy. He also won the golden boot award last year which is given to the best player in the sport. He also led Australia to Tri Nations success.

Shaun Berrigan, 28, hooker or centre

Berrigan was an influential figure in Broncos’ title win last year. He was awarded man of the match in the grand final and was part of the Maroons Origin squad as well as taking part in the Tri Nations with Australia.

Darius Boyd, 19, wing or full back

Boyd came on to the scene last year after graduating from schoolboy to first grader in his first full season as a professional. He took part in all but two of the Broncos games including the grand final victory over Melbourne. Could be a player the Saints need to watch at Bolton.

Dane Carlaw, 26, second row or prop

Didn’t have the greatest of seasons last time out, despite the Broncos winning the grand final, but he certainly knows that he hasn’t reached his peak just yet at the age of 26. Following the retirement of Shane Webcke, this could be Carlaw’s big chance to recapture the form of two year ago.

Tonnie Carroll, 30, loose forward

The former Leeds Rhinos man will be desperate to get one up on the Saints. It was the Saints who knocked Carroll’s former side out of the challenge cup at the semi final stage in two successive seasons. He missed the Tri Nations through injury and will be firing on all cylinders for the World club challenge.

Petero Civoniceva, 30, prop

One of the best forwards in the world, Civoniceva had a wonderful campaign in 2006. He will be hoping to continue this form in 2007. He won many games not only for club and country but for state as well. He is the second most capped forward in Australia’s history.

Greg Eastwood, 19, loose forward or centre

He burst onto the scene last year with six tries to his name. He is seen as a big part of the Broncos of future after finishing the year in the Queensland cup. The New Zealander will hoping for a much better campaign this time around. He has the ability to turn a game on a six pence.

Michael Ennis, 22, hooker

Due to a terrible injury last season, when his knee gave way, the Broncos fans have yet to set the best of Ennis in action. The hooker has worked very hard, to get himself back in game mode and will desperate to show what he can do in 2007. He can also kick goals.

Ben Hannatt, 22, prop

Hannatt was another who came to prominence last season, this time from the bench which then earned him a grand final ring at the end of it. Hannat is not you’re architectural rugby player as he completes a 3am shift at Rocklea Markets every day before training.

Justin Hodges, 24, centre or full back

Hodges had his best ever season last year, one that he certainly wouldn’t forget in a hurry. Not only was he an important part in the victorious Broncos side, he made his international debut in the centres. He can also play the role of full back, where he starred for the champions.

Karmichael Hunt, 20, full back

Like Hodges before him, Hunt was another one who made his international debut in 2006. Time and time again he produced performances of such calibre for the Broncos.

Hunt is versatile and can play either at full back or on the wing. Another one Saints will need to watch at the Reebok.

Steve Michaels, 20, wing or centre

Injury disrupted Michaels’ season in 2006 after he fractured his ankle, so 2007 will be a big year for the 20 year old. Born on the Gold Coast, he returned in the Queensland Cup and then back into the NRL. He will hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father Ralph who was a centre for the Brisbane Norths.

Corey Parker, 24, second row

Parker started most of last season from the bench which saw his fitness allowing him to see out the games. His goalkicking could be a crucial factor in the World Club Challenge, but as far as Parker is concerned his first aim is to get into the first 13.

Shane Perry, 30, stand off

2006 will be a year to remember for Perry. While training in pre-season, it looked like he was only going to be used as an extra, but as they season wore on it became clear that he would be needed. He has a superb kicking game and proved a vital part of the Broncos side.

Brent Tate, 24, centre or wing

Had a superb 2006 and will be looking to continue his excellent form in 2007. His superb pace is something that Saints will need to watch out for. Has scored many a long range try and will certainly be hoping to carry away more silverware in the forthcoming months.

Sam Thaiday, 21, second row or prop

The Sydney born player didn’t have the best of starts to 2006 and it was in the second half of the season that the fans saw the best of him. Following a surprise call to the Origin squad, a test call up then came his way. Set to have a big season in 2007.

Brad Thorn, 32, second row or prop

The New Zealander was one of the unsung heroes as the Broncos turned their season around. Following the loss of Shane Webcke, this could be a big year for Thorn. He will certainly take this opportunity with both hands. Always a potential match winner.

Tame Tupou, 24, wing

The winger had a mixed year in 2006. He missed out on a grand final appearance as he was 18th man, but he did make his test debut for New Zealand. He will be looking to add to his 15 tries he has already scored for the Broncos.

Written By Andrew Dalton
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