Revealed: Referee appointments for Wigan Warriors World Club Challenge

Liam Moore has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Betfred World Club Challenge between Wigan Warriors and Penrith Panthers at the DW Stadium.

Jonnie Roberts and Rich Thompson will be the touch-judges, with Chris Kendall the video referee, and James Vella the reserve referee.

It will be Moore’s first World Club Challenge, following his appointment to referee the last three Betfred Super League Grand Finals, and the 2020 and 2021 Betfred Challenge Cup Finals.

The match will be played under International Rules, as with last autumn’s Tests series between England and Tonga.

That means the same regulations relating to the use of the 18^th player as have been introduced to RFL competitions this season, but the laws relating to stealing the ball in the tackle will be as in the NRL – allowing one-on-one ball stealing if additional tacklers have “dropped off”.

Wigan Warriors prepare for Penrith with win

Wigan Warriors scored five tries at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to defeat a Castleford Tigers side who saw Liam Watts sent off for a high tackle after 30 minutes.

Reflecting on the victory, Peet said to the club’s official website: “It was pleasing performance. There’s certainly areas we can improve but everyone understands the challenges of this fixture against a very spirited Castleford team who were very committed. In the end we had the quality to get away and make it a decent win.”

Patrick Mago crossed for the Warriors’ first try of the Super League season before assisting Bevan French moments before the break. Praising the forward, Peet said: “He was excellent tonight – our Man of the Match. It’s all about consistency for everyone but credit to Patrick for his hard work – I’m pleased for him.”

Providing an update on Luke Thompson, who was forced off in the first half after failing a HIA, Peet said: “The way Luke has been in pre-season and the way he started the game, he was looking excellent. It’s a blow but his health has to come first. He’s taken a whack on the head so it’s the right thing for the player.”

On Mike Cooper, who came off the bench to play his first Super League minutes since April, Peet said: “I thought he was very good. We will need a big shift from him through the week, but tonight has put him in good stead.”

Looking ahead to the World Club Challenge clash against Penrith Panthers, Peet said: “Tonight was definitely a test we expected. Having that full-blooded game will physically prepare the lads for next week.”