It has been confirmed that Penrith Panthers will go to England in 2024 to compete in the World Club Challenge versus Wigan Warriors.
The Panthers are playing in their second consecutive World Club Challenge game, but have failed to win in three outings.
St Helens came to Australia in February 2023 to face the Panthers in Penrith, where they amazingly defeated them 13-12 thanks to a Lewis Dodd drop goal in golden point extra time, and now the Panthers are poised to try to avenge that loss.
Wigan will be up against them, who ended Saints’ four-year reign as Super League champions, but now they’ll be up against three-time NRL champions Penrith.
The game has officially been set for Saturday, February 24th, which means Matt Peet’s side will miss round two of the Super League season, as many fans had predicted.
It will be the first time the two sides have faced since the World Club Challenge in 1991, when Wigan came out on top.
Both teams confirmed the news on social media, with Wigan issuing the following statement.
“Wigan Warriors are pleased to confirm that the NRL champion Penrith Panthers will travel to the UK in February to compete in the Betfred World Club Challenge against the Super League champions.”
“The game will take place at the DW Stadium on Saturday, February 24th, at 8pm, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.”
Wigan Warriors won the Betfred Super League Grand Final 10-2 against Catalans Dragons in October, while Penrith Panthers defeated the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Grand Final to set up this mouth-watering Clash of the Champions.
“The only previous meeting between the respective 2023 Betfred Super League and NRL Telstra Premiership champions occurred 32 years ago at Anfield, when former All Black Frano Botica starred in a 21-4 Wigan win.”
“Wigan will make their ninth attempt to become World Club Champions, having won the title in 1987, 1991, 1993, and most recently in 2017.” The Panthers will compete in their fourth World Club Challenge. Wigan’s victory would be their fifth in a row. for Penrith would be their first.”
“We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Betfred World Club Challenge against the Penrith Panthers will be held in Wigan on February 24th,” said Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski.
“In recent weeks, significant efforts have been made to ensure the game takes place, fueled by the Panthers’ eagerness to participate.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our Club to host one of the NRL’s most formidable teams, providing a special treat for Wigan fans and Rugby League enthusiasts alike,” Radlinski added. The excitement is palpable, and we pledge to deliver.”
“The Betfred World Club Challenge is a mouth-watering fixture to relish in the opening weeks of our 2024 season, as two of the World’s great Rugby League Clubs meet in Wigan,” Rugby League Commercial Managing Director Rhodri Jones said.
“All credit must go to both clubs for the collegial manner in which discussions to confirm the fixture took place.”
“It promises to be a very special night, with Penrith determined to be crowned World Club Champions for the first time, and Wigan are looking to extend their wonderful history in the World Club Challenge stretching back almost four decades, including a previous victory against the Panthers.”
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