Leeds choose Robinson 27/1/2009

Skyhunter · Last edited by Skyhunter on Tue Jan 27, 2009 3:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

Source:
http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg...8-5006066,00.html?from=public_rss

Leeds Rhinos choose Robinson

By Ray Chesterton | January 26, 2009 12:00am

ENGLISH club Leeds have surprisingly chosen Sydney's third-ranked referee Jason Robinson for their World Club Challenge showdown against Manly.

The decision follows the poor performance of England's team in last year's World Cup under Sydney's two leading referees Tony Archer and Shane Hayne. Leeds might have decided they could not fare much worse by selecting Robinson.

Without giving their reasons, Leeds chose Robinson ahead of the more experienced Archer, who handled last year's grand final between Manly and Melbourne and Hayne, who was also involved in the finals series.

Robinson refereed just one game in the finals series - the opening weekend match when the Warriors beat minor premiers Melbourne. NRL referees boss Robert Finch said Robinson would do an excellent job in the challenge match.

Manly coach Des Hasler has been preparing his team with his usual professionalism and attention to detail to try to end the domination of English clubs in the annual match.

Australian clubs have lost the past five matches in the challenge, which theoretically determines the world's top club for the past season. The Roosters were the last Australian club to win, in 2003.

Hasler has scheduled a game against the Harlequins in London on February 22 to give his players a hit-out and a chance to acclimatise before the challenge on March 2.

Skyhunter · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject:

An interesting choice that Leeds Rhinos have made here. I would have thought they would have went with Tony Archer or Shane Hayne.

Go Sea Eagles.