The NRL will adjust the kick-off times to NRL Pre-Season matches on Saturday, including the World Club Challenge between Penrith Panthers and St Helens.
The decision was made due to player safety concerns around the forecasted heat and humidity in Regional NSW and Western Sydney.
The has thanked broadcast partners FOX, SKY NZ and SKY UK as well as participating clubs (St George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers, St Helens, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys) as well as venues for their cooperation and flexibility.
Updated UK kick off times for Saturday’s games
5.20am — Dragons v Rabbitohs at Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee
7.50am — Panthers v St Helens at Bluebet Stadium, Penrith
9:55am — Broncos v Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium
The World Club Challenge is set to be shown live on Channel 4 with coverage starting from 6:45 am.
Meanwhile Sky Sports will also be showing the game on Main Event and Arena from 7:00 am.
These changes come as Saints were warned of “deadly” weather.
To help both sides cope with the forecast 39 degrees temperatures at Penrith, the NRL has introduced a number of changes for the WCC, including:
Each team allowed to use 18 players
Increased interchanges from eight to 10
Playing the match in quarters to allow additional water breaks
Restrictions eased on trainers to enable them to provide water to players.
