Scunthorpe United at home may seem insignificant to some of the Rhinos fans but at this moment in time and maybe even in March, the Scunny game might have some bearing on United's push for promotion.

Whether or not United own Elland Road, the fixture is already in place, why should United have to move it?

If the game is so important to the Super League champions why don't they play at the 'Theatre Of Dreams' where they normally play the Super League Final? Ask Manchester United if they will move.

Why is Ken Bates being blamed for 'shoving' the fixture to a graveyard slot? I'm sure if Ken had his way, he wouldn't have a rugby match being played at all at Elland Road at that time of the season.

Martin Spencer, via email

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In response to Michael Ward's email (Letters to the Sports Editor, November 5), I hope the following facts will enlighten him and anyone else who has concerns in relation to the timing of the World Club Challenge fixture between Leeds Rhinos and Manly.

1) We have the ability under the terms of our lease to allow use of the pitch by others which in this case is the Rugby Football League not the Rhinos.

2) The RFL need to secure a venue for the fixture that has a pitch protection system to ensure the fixture is not postponed due to a frozen pitch as there is no opportunity to rearrange when the opposition is over from Australia. That venue also needs a large capacity and be local to the English club. There are not really any options other than Elland Road.

3) The fixture is not an annual event unless the Rhinos are Super League champions each season – which we hope they are.

4) While the pitch will not be unplayable due to being frozen it could be unsuitable for playing football if it's damaged due to inclement weather, hence why we need to use the pitch first and allow us as much time as possible to repair any damage.

5) We did offer to stage the game on Friday, March 6 but this was not acceptable to Manly due to the start date of the NRL.

In summary we did try to be accommodating but are not going to put our chances of achieving our goal of promotion at risk by putting any doubt over our Scunthorpe fixture. We would echo the request that as many supporters as possible attend the game from across the city to hopefully witness the Rhinos make history.

Shaun Harvey, CEO, Leeds United