We interrupt this weblog to bring you something completely different: Lew on League.

All right, so rugby league might be a minority sport within a minority sport, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of fans from around the world (well, Australia, France, GB, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, and the United States) from playing, watching, shouting, arguing, and generally having a good time in such renowned beauty spots as Wigan, Warrington, Wakefield, Bradford, and of course, Headingley, Leeds.

Lew’s rugby league claims to fame may be restricted to the time he almost played rugby with Peter O’Toole in the Navy, the years he coached Ellery Hanley (as a schoolboy), or the time he predicted that Don “He’s missed it…the poor lad” Fox would fluff the infamous last kick of the match which sealed the 1968 Challenge Cup Final for Leeds at Wembley–but he’s also well known in north Leeds for imparting his rugby league knowledge to anyone who cares to listen.

But why should only the people of north Leeds have the benefit of Lew’s wisdom? Therefore, starting today and continuing throughout the 2005 season, Lew will be sharing his rugby league expertise (from a decidedly Leeds Rhinos-biased point of view) with an even wider audience. Take it away Lew…

Leeds Rhinos v Canterbury Bulldogs – World Club Championship – Friday, February 4. KO 8pm GMT

Leeds Rhinos are the favourites for this game. Although the Australian national side has dominated the international game, the international players in their teams are drawn from a wide number of sides, whereas in England the majority of top players play for a few big clubs. When you add the top name foreign imports who bolster these top teams (Marcus Bai for Leeds – Leslie Vainicolo for Bradford, are examples), then it is clear that the top English clubs can match the talent of the best from Australia.

Last year Bradford Bulls, coached by Brian Noble who also coaches Great Britain, were worthy winners. This year the Canterbury Bulldogs were worthy winners of their league in Australia with a team full of internationals. However most of these are unable to play due to injury. Even a few of those who are due to play are carrying injuries. There are a number of youngsters in the side who are lacking in experience.

Leeds too have young players but these are experienced in playing at the highest level. What is more, Leeds are have a full complement of players except for one outstanding omission. Matt Diskin was unfortunately injured playing in his first international. Although young, he is one of the most influential players in the side, scoring the game-breaking try, which helped Leeds to win the grand final. If there is anything which could lose Leeds the game, it is the absence of their star hooker.

Even so the Australian youngsters will be future stars and with a leavening of seasoned professional, will prove to be worthy challengers. In particular look out for New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams playing for the Bulldogs. In the internationals, he was brilliant against the British side. For Leeds, scrum half Danny McGuire is one who the Australians will watch for his speed and elusive side-step.

Whatever happens it will be a match worth watching whether you are a fan or have never seen a game of rugby league before.