Champions Wigan host World Club Challenge

After winning their first Super League title since 2018, Wigan Warriors will kick off their season with a World Club Challenge fixture against the Penrith Panthers in their own back yard.

The fixture between the champions of the NRL and Super League made its return last year following Covid-19, which meant the event was postponed for two years running.

The main difference from last year’s clash between Penrith and St Helens is that the event was held down under, in what was a bruising but tantalising affair.

It was a hurdle too far once again for Penrith, but with another years experience they’ll be wanting to put on a show at the D.W. Stadium in front of a likely sell-out crowd.

With the fixture being held on a Saturday night to maximise the eyes on what is a pinnacle event in Rugby League, it has meant Wigan Athletic’s home fixture with Cheltenham Town has been moved to the Friday night.

Wigan Athletic and Rugby fan Sam Seddon-Davies told Prost International: “I think it’s a really good thing to have such a high profile match in the town of Wigan. It’s something supporters will love and support, and hopefully visiting supporters love the D.W. and the atmosphere that comes with that.

“It’ll be a good thing to see the trophy retained by a Super League side given the constant comparisons with the NRL.”

The Wigan-born Davies also explained her delight at seeing the two Wigan giants coming together after off-the-field tensions.

She added: “It’s great to see the two clubs working together and the cohesion that’s been created in the town. Wigan is a town of personalities and fighters so it’s nice to see both clubs in the fight together for a change.

“I’m sure it’s a fixture that will bring great interest and even some of the football fans getting involved to fill their usual Saturday sport fix.”

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