Friday 9 October 2015 10:52, UK
St Helens have been handed the third Super League place in the 2016 World Club Series, according to the body's general manager Blake Solly.
The 2014 champions will join Grand Finalists Wigan and Leeds along with the NRL trio of minor premiers Sydney Roosters, Grand Final runners-up Brisbane Broncos and NRL champions North Queensland Cowboys.
Leeds qualified as Challenge Cup winners, as well as league leaders, while Wigan were assured of their place by reaching Old Trafford and it was up to the Super League board to select the third team.
St Helens got the nod on the basis that they reached the last four in both Super League and the Challenge Cup, have a strong history in the World Club Challenge and will add value to the 2016 tournament.
Saints, who lost 39-0 at home to South Sydney in the 2015 World Club Challenge, will kick off the action at Langtree Park on February 19 against the Roosters, who have England coach Steve McNamara on the backroom staff.
The match will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the inaugural World Club Challenge involving both teams.
Brisbane will play the Grand Final runners-up on February 20, while the following day the 2016 World Club Challenge will pit the Cowboys against the winners of Saturday's Super League title decider.
The NRL clubs completed a 3-0 whitewash earlier this year, with Wigan and Warrington losing to Brisbane and St George Illawarra respectively, but organisers were delighted with bumper crowds for all three fixtures.
Solly said; "The 2015 World Club Series delivered everything we had hoped for and more but I believe that the 2016 Series can go one step further providing even more enthralling and exciting entertainment with bigger crowds and increased interest around the world.
"It's fantastic that we can confirm the six clubs who will take part in the World Club Series and welcoming 2015's best NRL clubs will add further excitement and credibility to the Series.
"The NRL have just experienced a wonderful finals series, and our clubs can't wait to test their opponents next February. I strongly believe that every rugby league fan and sports fan will be looking forward to the competition.
"Once again not only will the World Club Series pitch club against club but Super League against NRL in what is sure to be a thrilling weekend of sport and entertainment."
NRL spokesman Andrew Hill said: "It is testament to the standing of the World Club Series that the three best teams from the 2015 NRL season will contest it.
"Last season was a great start to the expanded series but in 2016 we will have the premiers and runners-up and the minor premiers, meaning next year's tournament will truly be for the best of the best."
