World Champions open to hybrid challenge

Following press speculation regarding a hybrid challenge game between Rugby League World Champions Leeds Rhinos and a Rugby Union challenger, Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington has confirmed that the club have been in discussions and are open to the idea of a hybrid challenge game that would see the best team in Rugby League take on a Union equivalent.

Hetherington has revealed that he was approached by former Australian Rugby Union Head Coach Bob Dwyer on his recent trip to Australia to discuss the idea after Dwyer and his partners have devised a new set of hybrid rules that incorporate the distinctive nature of both codes.

Hetherington said, “I met with Bob Dwyer and I was fascinated by the set of rules that they have devised. There has been initial discussions but press reports of a date and opponent are incorrect. However, we are receptive to this type of challenge subject to RFL approval and I know our players are too. Money is not the motivator for us and we would donate any profits to rugby charities but the contest could generate enormous interest around the world and raise the profile of both codes.”

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