There has been a huge update regarding one of the game’s annual events, with the World Club Challenge looking set for a return.
The event, that sees the winner of the Super League and NRL Grand Final go head-to-head, was cancelled this year, due to Wigan Warriors and Penrith Panthers’ commitments in Las Vegas, which took priority over the annual fixture.
However, it will now make a comeback, and we already know one of the teams competing.
The winner of this Saturday’s showdown at Old Trafford between the Warriors and Hull KR will face Brisbane Broncos, after their second-half comeback inspired by newly-selected Kangaroos full-back Reece Walsh, saw them defeat Melbourne Storm to win the Australian Premiership.
The decision to bring the game back to the rugby league calendar was confirmed by NRL boss, Andrew Abdo, who admitted he can’t wait to see the game make a return.
Abdo was a guest on Australian podcast, ABC Sport, and discussed all the key headlines surrounding the NRL this week.
When asked if the game would be played next year, he confirmed: “Yes, we’ll wait and see who wins both competitions and we’ll work with the RFL to facilitate that.
“In terms of where it’s played and when it’s played we normally wait until we have both winners and we work with both clubs in terms of the scheduling.
Abdo said he was a huge advocate of the fixture, as it was a unique event that not many other sports are able to produce.
He said: “The World Club Challenge is pretty important to the game, it’s something quite unique and definitely something that we will work with the clubs on.
Should Hull KR emerge victorious on Saturday, it would be the first time in history they would face the Broncos. If Wigan win, they will enter the game full of confidence having lifted the trophy in 2024 against Penrith, in what was the last time the game was held.
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
