Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary has made a World Club Challenge plea following Wigan Warriors’ latest trophy.
His Penrith Panthers side won a fourth NRL Premiership in a row this year, with victory over Melbourne Storm.
However, it seems that there won’t be a rematch of 2024’s game against Wigan, as the Las Vegas Challenge is making the logistics of such a game tricky – and the Panthers are reportedly uninterested in participating.
Asked whether he felt there would be a 2025 World Club Challenge in the post-match press conference for the Super League Grand Final, Wigan head coach Matt Peet said: “No, I don’t think there will be.
“Anyone thinking about going to Las Vegas should get on board. I think Super League’s proven over the last few months that it’s an outstanding competition with some of the best players in the world.
“I’m looking forward to going there with Warrington. We’re going there and playing there to promote Super League.”
It seems that they, as well as the NRL, see the trip to Las Vegas as the collaboration between the hemispheres in 2025, rather than a World Club Challenge – and it will include a women’s England v Australia game.
Nathan Cleary makes World Club Challenge plea after Wigan Warriors victory
Credit: Imago Images
Nathan Cleary made the headlines by turning up to the Grand Final in a Hull KR shirt, while visiting partner Mary Fowler, a player for Manchester City.
However, via Instagram, he has congratulated their opponents, saying: “Congrats to Wigan on another win! They’re a great team.
“Would love to be able to play the WCC (World Club Challenge) at Magic Round next year.
“I understand the logistics of getting the game on would be difficult but I think it would be a great spectacle.”
NRL’s Magic Round, held in Brisbane, occurs in May – and does feel like a potential stage for the World Club Challenge showdown.
