The game is again taking place at Elland Road, and we are told that the Rugby Football League liaised directly with Leeds United, and that Leeds United insisted that their league game with Scunthorpe United could not possibly be moved from Saturday, February 28.

Surely an annual rugby league showdown, to determine the best team in the world, between the champions from Super League in Europe and the NRL grand final winners should take precedence over a run-of-the-mill League One game?

And exactly what authority do Leeds United have over Elland Road, when they do not even own the ground?

It will be a nightmare for Leeds Rhinos supporters travelling to and from Elland Road at that time on a Sunday night, and it will have a massively negative effect on general ticket sales as well as corporate hospitality sales.

Leeds Rugby are imploring the whole of Leeds to get behind the game – "make it a sell-out and a city-wide celebration" – but how is that possible when the match is shoved into the graveyard slot on a Sunday night by Ken Bates and Co?

Let's not forget that Leeds Rhinos could become the first club to retain the world club trophy in this match.

Michael Ward, via email

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I MUST say I was a little disappointed at the news next season's World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Manly has been delayed by a football match.

On the other hand, I can't help but think the extra week's rest might actually improve Rhinos chances of making history again by becoming the first English side to retain the trophy.

As Brian McClennan has eight of his players in the England squad during the current World Cup in Australia I'm sure he will be concerned at the physical repercussions for his men at the start of the 2009 campaign.

However, the fact that Leeds United are playing Scunthorpe on February 28 might, in the end, work in the Rhinos' favour.

And I have to say I hope the city does unite behind Kevin Sinfield and Co's attempts to defend their world crown.

Hopefully, it won't be the last time in 2009 that we see a Leeds team lifting a cup – Gary McAllister's United side have a great chance of winning automatic promotion too.

TIM ASCOT, Leeds

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ENGLAND'S appalling capitulation against Australia in Melbourne at the weekend confirmed what many fans already thought – Tony Smith's side have no chance of winning the rugby league World Cup.

Perhaps the Aussies should let Papua New Guinea win to prevent England reaching the last four, because I very much doubt they will be able to overcome New Zealand on Saturday.

MALCOLM STEVENS, Leeds

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THE World Cup is aspiring to be the jewel in the crown for rugby league.
Watching it by satellite the commentators say that the matches have been a sell-out, yet one can clearly see there are huge gaps in the stands.

Even the stadium of North Queensland, which is reputed to be in the heartland of rugby league Down Under, was not full. Does the dominance of Australia at international level mean they think these matches are not worth going to?

I fear that our loyal supporters who have gone out to watch the World Cup are not getting value for money in Australia. My wish is to see England compete well Down Under, go on and surprise me and actually win the tournament!

By the way, this was written before the match with Australia in Melbourne.

KEVIN MAGUIRE, Batley

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WHY is it people take such great delight in slagging off Leeds United and their fans?

I understand that the team in the early 1960s picked up a reputation for being dirty away from Elland Road, but that was years ago. Under current boss Gary McAllister we are, on our day, one of the best passing sides in League One.

The fans too had a poor reputation during the 1980s but then practically every big club had clutches of yobs that attached themselves to a Football League side. But, again, that was years ago. At this rate, we might as well adopt the Millwall song 'no-one likes us we don't care'!

GTANT WALTON, Leeds, via email

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I WOULD have more confidence in Leeds United chairman Mr Bates if he had announced plans for the football team rather than a hotel and shopping complex.

We know fear that Fabian Delph, pictured, will be sold as soon as someone waves a cheque book. He is the best young player to emerge at Elland Road for years. The bidding should start at £25m, but they will probably make a grab for about £5m when offered. As usual sell cheap, buy dear.

WALT EMSLEY, Leeds 8
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WITH regard to the email from S Cox of Kippax (YEP 22/10/08) about the baiting of Leeds fans by Millwall supporters over the events in Turkey a few years ago.

The LUFC fans have been baiting MUFC fans for decades about the Munich air disaster, so what is the difference?

It's about time Leeds fans got the chip off their shoulder.
Everyone knows they are the most hated set of supporters. Whichever league they play in trouble follows them everywhere and they start most of it.

JOHN SELBY, Leeds, via email