Halifax set for Storm

Melbourne Storm: The 2007 NRL champions are set to face Halifax

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National League One minnows Halifax are set for a money-spinning tie against NRL champions Melbourne Storm on February 22.

The Storm will face Halifax as part of their warm-up preparations for the Carnegie World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road a week later.

Melbourne, who will also play Grand Final runners-up Manly on February 16 before heading to England, are following the example set by Brisbane last season - with the Broncos facing Celtic Crusaders ahead of their World Club Challenge against St Helens.

And Halifax are thrilled to have beaten off competition to from other National League clubs for the friendly.

"We are delighted to have secured this game," chairman Michael Steele told the Halifax Courier.

Exciting

"It promises to be a hugely exciting occasion, and I am sure the people of Halifax will have an absolute rugby league ball that night."

Melbourne could have had their pick of clubs to play, however they opted to travel to travel to the Shay because of Halifax's recent form.

Melbourne's general manager of football operations Frank Ponissi said: "We were very grateful for the expressions of interest from other Co-operative National League clubs, which were very impressive, but at the end of the day Halifax have been a top-four side for some years.

"While past form is no guarantee of how they will play this year, the club seem best placed to give our team the right standard of opposition."