Penrith are set for another crack at the last trophy they have never won with a trip to Wigan to contest the World Club Challenge was confirmed for late February 2024.
The game will be held at Wigan’s DW Stadium on the night of Saturday, February 24, meaning it will be an early start for Australian viewers with the game beginning ay 7am on Sunday, 25th. Fox League and Kayo will broadcast the clash.
“We are excited to travel to England next February to test ourselves against the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.” said CEO Matt Cameron.
“The World Club Challenge is such a vital piece of the rugby league calendar and we’re looking forward to contesting the match for a second straight year.
“Wigan are a proud rugby league club that have achieved sustained success for many years, which will give the Panthers an exciting challenge to open the 2024 campaign.”
The Panthers have won three NRL Premierships and earned the right to face the British champions, but have lost on all three occasions.
There were defeated by Wigan at Anfield in 1991, with a Panthers side featuring Greg Alexander, Royce Simmons and Steve Carter going down 21-4 just a week after winning their first Grand Final.
In 2004, after their 2003 Premiership win, Penrith again travelled to the UK, losing 22-4 to the then-dominant Bradford Bulls in Huddersfild.
There was no opportunity to contest the world title in 2021 or 2022 due to the pandemic, and coach Ivan Cleary was insistent that his side would revive the game for 2023.
They hosted the match, with St Helens travelling to the Golden West, but again the Panthers were defeated thanks to Lewis Dodd’s field goal in Golden Point, with the halfback securing a famous 13-12 win for the Super League champions.
In a strange quirk, the Panthers actually went unbeaten in the 1997 World Club Challenge – the sprawling, lop-sided global version played during the Super League War – but were eliminated on points differential
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
I think they take it serious Maxtruck Cleary snr has openly stated its one box they haven't ticked and I believe Luai is already ruled out after his shoulder reco.I think they send there strongest possible squad
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Interesting how the panthers treat this, Will the top squad travel? Liam Martin had an ongoing hamstring complaint end of last season ? Risk him or rest him? Will Luai go, or will he be a Tiger by then ?
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
With Lodge out injured, I recon the roosters quinella of Smith & Radley favorites for the 6PM news.
Tony
Roar Guru
High, but think of the headlines and publicity :happy:
Nat
Roar Guru
What's the risk in having half the NRL comp in Vegas for a week?
Tony
Roar Guru
Or maybe play it in Vegas :laughing:
Nat
Roar Guru
Happy they have come to an agreement in keeping this tradition alive. Too bad they cannot take a few teams across and make a footy weekend out of it. 4 NRL v 4 SL clubs.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Living in Melbourne, I haven’t been able to get to too many but watch them avidly on TV. The Poms love this comp and see it as a highlight of the year. I support the Storm (of course) but also follow the ESL where my favourite team is Wigan – hence my comment.
Mike Meehall Wood
Editor
I’m possibly the biggest WCC fan there is so I’m here with you. Reckon I’ve attended 13 over the journey, plus a few of the 97 debacle too :laughing: Saints v Broncos 2001 and Manly v Leeds 2009 stand out as particularly great games, as well as last year’s at Penrith.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
I personally love this comp. I know a lot of people dismiss it but I find it different and a chance to watch a bunch of different players test their skills against our "best". Here is hoping for a Wigan win.