Super League club Harlequins have announced an exhibition match against Melbourne Storm next February as part of the NRL side's warm-up schedule for the World Club Challenge.

The Storm will take on three-time Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road on February 28th, and as part of their preparations the Australian side will play Quins at the Twickenham Stoop the Sunday before.

"This fixture a great opportunity to further promote rugby league in London and entice new fans to the game with a real sporting spectacle," said Harlequins general manager Paul Blanchard.

Harlequins played a similar role as the warm-up act for 2008 NRL champions Manley Sea Eagles last year, who later went on to beat Leeds for the World Club Challenge title.

And Quins head coach Brian McDermott hopes this year's game will match the last - a 34-26 victory for the visitors - for excitement and free-flowing rugby.

"If last year's match was anything to go by, I think fans are in for a real treat," he said.

"Melbourne and Harlequins share similarities in that we both play outside of the 'rugby league heartland' in our respective countries but have proved over the years we can compete at the top level."

McDermott also left fans in no doubt over his commitment to winning the game, despite it having no competitive relevance.

"Melbourne have several world-class players; I want to win this game and say that we competed with the best in Australia," he added.

The Harlequins v Melbourne game at the Stoop will take place on Sunday February 21st 2010. Ticket details will be announced in due course, the club confirmed.
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