SYDNEY Roosters head coach Ricky Stuart says there is no danger of his team treating Friday's World Club Challenge against St Helens at the Reebok Stadium as "a Mickey Mouse" game.

He stressed: "We are committed to doing what Newcastle and Brisbane couldn't do . . . win in England, and become World Champions."

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The Aussies are based in Manchester in the build-up for the big game and Stuart adds: "The only way we can prepare for it is by going over early and giving the blokes two or three extra days to witness and experience the conditions. We have eight days of training."

"You're out in the street training in freezing conditions, you're constantly in a hot-cold, hot-cold climate. You train, you shower, you go, you're on a bus, you're off a bus. There's every chance somebody could get sick."

Roosters rookies Aaron Mercer and David Shillington have been included in the powerful squad.

Mercer, a fullback or centre, and Shillington, a prop and Todd Byrne and Chad Robinson - who played the majority of last season in first grade - have also been included in the 20-man squad while new recruits Brett Finch, Ned Catic and Todd Payten round out the Roosters touring contingent.

Roosters squad: Todd Byrne, Ned Catic, Jason Cayless, Michael Crocker, Peter Cusack, Brett Finch, Brad Fittler, Craig Fitzgibbon, Chris Flannery, Shannon Hegarty, Justin Hodges, Andrew Lomu, Aaron Mercer, Anthony Minichiello, Adrian Morley, Todd Payten, Luke Ricketson, Chad Robinson, David Shillington, Craig Wing.

Stuart has expressed his desire to speak to referee Russell Smith prior to the match.

He said: "Not just because of defence but around the rucks, it's a completely different game of football over there.

"You find touring sides, when they go there, the first one or two games are always difficult. The Pommies play a different brand of football.

"It's worth $140,000 to the club and I think the title of being known as world champions is a nice title to have for your trophy cabinet," Stuart added.

"I think why waste a trip to go over there and treat it like a Mickey Mouse game."