World Club Challenge: Long wait almost over for impatient Rhinos

Leeds earned the chance to defend the world title following a surprise run to Grand Final glory after finishing fifth in the regular season standings.

But even as they lifted the trophy at Old Trafford, Burrow revealed that thoughts were already turning towards the February showpiece against the NRL champions.

"It is massive," the England half-back said. "It is a great event to represent your club and to represent your competition against the competition in Australia.

"It is something the lads celebrate when we are celebrating the Grand Final and it is something in the calendar we look forward to. The lads have really been excited about Friday night."

As Super League champions, Leeds have played in four of the last five World Club Challenge matches, but Burrow would be in favour of a revamped format that would include more sides than just the champions of the respective competitions.

"I think it would be good," he said. "It's only a few years ago that they did it where the top teams from both competitions played each other and I think it went really well.

"Whilst we enjoy the World Club Challenge as it has been recently, it would be good to test the top half of our league against the best of theirs. That way you could really capture who is the best team in the world."

At the moment the Rhinos are proud holders of that title and they will defend it against a gathering Storm on Friday at Headingley.