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Penrith Panthers stars may not be allowed to star against St Helens in World Club Challenge as ex-Hull KR man could have decisive say

Wigan Warriors World Club Challenge

No club side was as well represented in the Rugby League World Cup Final as Penrith Panthers, which should come as no surprise after the club won a second consecutive NRL title in style in 2022.

Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Taylan May and Izack Tago all played in the final between Australia and Samoa on Saturday at Old Trafford.

This means their leave didn’t begin until November 21st. Those players must take at least seven weeks off under NRL rules and then must train for at least five weeks before they can play again under the rules.

This leaves the Panthers stars on the cusp of being ineligible for the World Club Challenge clash against St Helens on February 18th.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the players are hoping to feature and are pushing for an early return.

However, to achieve this early return the club must first receive approval from the NRL and the RLPA which is led by former Hull KR star Clint Newton meaning he could have the final say on how this game goes.

Speaking on the matter, Penrith District Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron praised the players’ unwavering desire to put on the Panthers jersey and represent the club: “It’s a reflection of where the club is at the moment but that has taken a lot of people, a lot of hard work to get to where we are but we are really happy with where we are.”

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