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Melbourne Storm turn down invitation to World Club Series

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Young Tonumalpea of the Storm reacts during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at AAMI Park on September 28, 2016
Image: Melbourne Storm training ahead of the Grand Final

Leading Australian side Melbourne Storm have declined an invitation to play in next year's World Club Series in England.

Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy said the decision was made to give Storm the best possible preparation ahead of the 2017 National Rugby League season.

In the past, only the NRL champions made the trip to take on the Super League champions, but the format was expanded this year to include other teams.

"As a club, we've decided that staying in Australia will provide our team with the best possible preparation for the 2017 NRL season," Donaghy said.

Will Chambers scores Melbourne's second try in the NRL Grand Final
Image: Will Chambers scores Melbourne's second try in the NRL Grand Final

"Having treasured past visits to the UK in 2008, 2010 and 2013, we thoroughly value the concept of the World Club Challenge.

"However, a regular NRL season is already incredibly taxing and, as a non-Sydney team, our players travel more than most."

Donaghy said the club had committed to playing two trial matches in Australia which they feel would serve as a better lead-in for coach Craig Bellamy's team ahead of next year's opening NRL round.

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Jesse Bromwich is a big force for the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers
Image: Jesse Bromwich is a big force for the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers

"We wish Cronulla all the best as the NRL's representative against the champion team of England, Wigan," he said of the February series.

Melbourne, who lost to the Cronulla Sharks 14-12 in this month's NRL grand final, have several players heading to England to take part in the Four Nations tournament later this month.

Test skipper Cameron Smith and scrum-half Cooper Cronk will represent Australia, while prop Jesse Bromwich captains a New Zealand team that includes Storm forwards Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.

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