The 2006 World Club Challenge was a Rugby league match held on Friday, 3 February 2006, at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, UK. The game was contested by Bradford Bulls and Wests Tigers.
Qualification Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls qualified for the Challenge after being crowned the 2005 Super League champions, defeating their local rivals Leeds Rhinos 15–6 at Old Trafford. This Grand Final win avenged a defeat to the same team in the title decider the year before.
Wests Tigers
Wests Tigers clinched the 2005 National Rugby League title in a 30–16 defeat of North Queensland Cowboys to earn a place in the World Club Challenge. The Tigers had reached the Grand Final for the first time since their formation five years earlier following a merger of Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs.
Teams The Tigers were without six of their 2005 NRL grand final-winning team: star stand-off half back Benji Marshall had undergone shoulder surgery in the off season; winger Pat Richards and forward Mark O'Neill had signed to play with other clubs, and Dene Halatau, Todd Payten and Shane Elford were also absent. + 2006 World Club Challenge TeamsBradford BullsPositionWests Tigers Michael Withers Fullback Brett Hodgson Marcus Bai Winger Shannon McDonnell Ben Harris Centre Dean Collis Shontayne Hape Centre Paul Whatuira Lesley Vainikolo Winger Jamaal Lolesi Karl Pryce Stand Off/Five-Eighth Daniel Fitzhenry Iestyn Harris (c) Scrum Half/Halfback Scott Prince (c) Stuart Fielden Prop Ryan O'Hara Ian Henderson Hooker Robbie Farah Andy Lynch Prop John Skandalis Paul Johnson 2nd Row Anthony Laffranchi Bradley Meyers 2nd Row Chris Heighington Jamie Langley Loose Forward/Lock Ben Galea Joe Vagana Interchange Bryce Gibbs Stanley Gene Interchange Liam Fulton Brett Ferres Interchange Bronson Harrison Matt Cook Interchange Sam Harris Tom Parkinson Interchange Vic Rangers Brian Noble Coach Tim Sheens
Match details
Man of the Match
Stuart Fielden of the Bradford Bulls was awarded man of the match.
External links 2006 World club Challenge at bradfordbulls.co.uk 2006 World Club Challenge at superleague.co.uk 2006 World Club Challenge at rugbyleagueproject.com