Almost 10,000 tickets have been sold for the World Club Challenge between Bradford Bulls and Australian premiers Newcastle Knights in Hudd-ersfield.

With three weeks to go to the February 1 showdown, the crowd seems certain to top the 16,041 for last year's clash between St Helens and Brisbane Broncos, and Super League officials are looking at filling the 24,500-capacity McAlpine Stadium.

Super League general manager Gary Tasker said: "The current tremendous level of interest is unpre-cedented, and advance ticket sales are at the highest level since the event was re-introduced."

Meanwhile, Australia coach Chris Anderson, pictured, has thrown his support behind the clash.

"I am a big fan of the World Club Challenge," he said. "It's a great concept and is an important part of the rugby league calendar.

"I think both players and fans enjoy it tremendously.

"I saw quite a lot of Bradford at the end of last season and they have some great players and play some great football.

"But Newcastle will also be very hard to contain.

"When they click into gear on attack, they play a very expansive game."