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Last Updated: Thursday, 12 October 2006, 09:10 GMT 10:10 UK
Doubts over World Club Challenge
Bradford captain Iestyn Harris
Iestyn Harris celebrates Bradford's success earlier this season
Next year's World Club Challenge is under threat because the Brisbane Broncos may field a weakened team.

The match involving the NRL champions and the Super League Grand Final winners, either St Helens or Hull, was due to take place on 4 February.

But it could be cancelled if organisers think the competition will be devalued by Brisbane's plan to rest key players.

"The important thing in our minds is the welfare of the players," said Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen.

"They have to come through a long, long hard year and a lot of them still have six weeks to go.

"You wouldn't play a World Club Challenge if you thought it would put next season in jeopardy.

"It would only be cancelled if we can't field a decent side and it would be disappointing if we have to make that call."

Brisbane have eight players on duty in the Tri-Nations Series that starts this weekend with a game between New Zealand and Australia.

A decision on the future of the World Club Challenge will be made early next week.

Discussions are set to take place between the Broncos, the Super League champions and the Rugby Football League.

Bradford won their third World Club Challenge title in February by beating Wests Tigers at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

SEE ALSO
Bradford 30-10 Wests Tigers
03 Feb 06 |  Bradford


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