Melbourne Storm clinched the 2007 National Rugby League title in a 34–8 belting of Manly, earning them a place in the World Club Challenge.

[1] Melbourne's squad included 11 members of the 2007 premiership team, but were missing captain Cameron Smith who had stayed in Australia to be present for the birth of his first child.

The match was played in cold and windy conditions, four rounds into the 2008 Super League competition and one week before the start of the 2008 NRL season.

[3] A biting allegation against Leeds winger Lee Smith was a minor controversy midway through the second half, but despite immediately reporting the incident to the touch judge, Melbourne's Will Chambers refused to file an official complaint at full time.

[2] In a battle of attrition, defence won out as the half progressed, with Melbourne unable to find a way through the Leeds line.