Manly captain Matt Orford has said that his side's 28-20 victory over Leeds in the World Club Challenge was a "great experience".
World Club Challenge win feels "amazing" says skipper
Manly Sea Eagles captain Matt Orford has said that his side's 28-20 victory over Leeds in the World Club Challenge was a "great experience".
The NRL champions dominated the match at Elland Road, Manly outplaying their Super League counterparts for long periods and running in a total of five tries.
Only two late scores from the Rhinos added a touch of respectability to the scoreline.
"It was a great experience and on a big stage like this, to take the cup back to Australia is amazing," Orford told
Sky Sports.
He nevertheless admitted that the Rhinos' late flurry of points had been a concern, adding: "We were starting to get worried but we knew they wouldn't go away.
"They kept coming, they're a big team, but we got away with it."
Manly had the match sewn up when they scored three quick tries early in the second half.
"The coach (Des Hasler) spoke at half-time. He wanted us to be first team to put points on the board," Orford said.
"We didn't have a set plan. Guys just put themselves in right place at right time."
Shattered
Meanwhile, Leeds coach Brian McClennan said Manly were thoroughly deserving of their victory.
"We're shattered," he said.
"We wanted to do well in the game and we had a chance to create some history but it's not to be.
"I want to acknowledge what a great outfit Manly are. They're a very classy team and take a lot of sports science and conditioning into their set-up. You could see that."
Leeds were unfortunate to lose Rob Burrow just 16 minutes into his first competitive match since England's World Cup semi-final defeat last November.
The scrum-half was left badly dazed by a crunching tackle from man of the match Anthony Watmough.
McClennan added: "Rob is okay at the moment. Obviously there was no chance he could go back on so we just wanted to make sure his health is all right, first and foremost.
"As a club we want to win trophies but we won't risk our players' health."
Of his side's refusal to throw in the towel, McClennan added: "We showed guts, too right we did.
"We started to get into a bit of a groove and play a bit more football. But we hold our hands up - the better side on the night got the win and we've got to be gracious in defeat."
Prepared
Manly's win was the first overseas victory since Sydney Roosters' 38-0 victory over St Helens in 2003.
After spending a fortnight preparing in England, they demonstrated the slick handling and robust defence that accounted for Melbourne Storm in October's NRL grand final.
Hasler added: "The scoreline didn't truly indicate the way the game went.
"I thought we were in control for most of the time out there.
"We came over here with a plan and the players fulfilled that.
"Overall, I thought it was a wonderful event and I'm very proud of what the players did here tonight.
"They covered themselves in glory and deserved to be crowned World Club champions.
"It was a great life experience for us to come over here and a challenge - but the players rose to that challenge."
