2003 World Club Challenge

2003 (2003) World Club Challenge  ()
St Helens Sydney Roosters (SL) (NRL) 0 38
1 2 Total ST H 0 0 0 SYD 18 20 38
Date	14 February 2003
Stadium	Reebok Stadium
Location	Bolton, England
Man of the Match	Craig Fitzgibbon
Referee	Russell Smith
Attendance	19,807
Broadcast partner
Broadcaster	Sky Sports
Commentators	Eddie Hemmings, Mike Stephenson
< 2002 World Club Challenge 2004 >

The 2003 World Club Challenge match was contested on Sunday, 16 February by National Rugby League season 2002 premiers, the Sydney Roosters and Super League VII premiers, St Helens. 19,807 spectators turned out at Bolton's Reebok Stadium for the match, which was refereed by Russell Smith.

This was the first time the two clubs had played each other since the inaugural World Club Challenge game at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1976. On that occasion the Roosters, then known as Eastern Suburbs (as it was a Sydney only competition at the time), defeated St Helens 25-2. The attendance on that occasion was 26,856.

Background

St Helens

Sydney Roosters

Match Summary

14 February 2003

St Helens	0 – 38	Sydney Roosters
Tries: Goals:	(Report)	Tries: Craig Fitzgibbon Adrian Morley Todd Byrne Brad Fittler Todd Payten Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon (9)

Reebok Stadium, Bolton Attendance: 19,807 Referee/s: Russell Smith Man of the Match: Craig Fitzgibbon

Teams

The Roosters went into the Challenge making only one change in their starting lineup (Todd Byrne went on to the wing for the retired Brett Mullins). In the end, though, it made no difference as the Sydney Roosters ran out comprehensive 0-38 champions over the Saints outfit. Tries to Craig Fitzgibbon, Adrian Morley, new input Todd Byrne, captain Brad Fittler and Todd Payten plus the 9 goals from Fitzgibbon completed a wonderful season for the Sydney Roosters.

See also

• World Club Challenge

External links

• 2003 World Club Challenge at rugbyleagueproject.com
• 2003 World Club Challenge at rlphotos.com
• 2003 World Club Challenge at superleague.co.uk