Knowles’ champs in global glory bid
MORGAN KNOWLES can’t think of any better way to kick off St Helens’ latest Betfred Super League title defence than dumping NRL premiers Penrith Panthers.
The new season gets underway when Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos on Thursday and other opening weekend highlights include newly-promoted Leigh welcoming Salford the following night.
Red-hot champions Saints are favourites to make it a FIFTH title on the trot.
But their round-one fixture is delayed as they are in Australia looking to make history against
Penrith in Saturday’s World Club Challenge showdown.
And England loose forward Knowles would love to cause a shock in Sydney.
He said: “It is easy to get excited about what’s coming up for Saints.
“Rather than going into the Super League kick-off and those wet couple of months, by coming out here we have something to really get excited about. I am really looking forward to playing in it and hopefully winning it.”
However, Super League sides have won just two of the last dozen World Club showdowns.
And Wigan were the last team to win Down Under, famously beating Brisbane Broncos in 1994.
But Knowles hopes bitter rivalries back home will be put to one side as they aim to bring down the might of revered backto-back Grand Final winners Penrith.
He added: “They’re up on a pedestal and we’re over here not only for Saints but representing Super League and England.
“We want to put on a good show and make everyone proud.
“You generally don’t get behind rival clubs but hopefully people do show us a bit of support.”
Knowles didn’t feature in yesterday’s impressive 30-18 warm-up win over St George Illawarra as Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Lewis Dodd, Joey Lussick and Tee Ritson all scored tries in Wollongong.