Rhinos lure Marshall into Challenge

The All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall has been offered the chance to switch codes and play for the Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, in the World Club Challenge against the NRL champions, Canterbury Bulldogs.

New Zealand's most-capped back announced on Thursday he had signed a two-year deal to join Leeds Tykes from the start of the next Zurich Premiership season. During negotiations the 31-year-old was also asked about his availability for the Rhinos in the 4 February game against the Bulldogs at Elland Road.

The Rhinos are without a recognised hooker for the start of the season after their Great Britain international Matt Diskin suffered a knee injury during last autumn's Tri-Nations series.