The reigning Betfred Super League champions, St Helens, will travel to Australia in February 2023 to face NRL champions, Penrith Panthers, for the World Club Challenge in what will be new head coach, Paul Wellens’ first competitive fixture.
The match will take place at the home of the Panthers, the BlueBet Stadium on Saturday 18 February, 2023 (6pm KO local/ 7am UK).
In what will be a first for fans in the UK, the World Club Challenge will be broadcast free-to-air by Channel 4 and will be part of double header by the broadcaster that day with the Betfred Super League clash between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors live at 1pm.
Sky Sports will also provide coverage of the game.
This will mark the 8th time St Helens have played in the World Club Challenge, with two victories to their name, coming in 2001 and 2007, both against Brisbane Broncos.
Penrith Panthers have previously appeared twice in the World Club Challenge, being beaten by Wigan Warriors (1991) and also being beaten by Bradford Bulls (2004).
Due to St Helens travelling to Australia in early February, their Betfred Super League Round 1 fixture, due to be against Huddersfield Giants, has been postponed until a date later in the season. Details of which will be confirmed in due course.
As they prepare for the World Club Challenge, they take on St George Illawarra Dragons having beaten Widnes Vikings in Mark Percival’s testimonial.
As their preparations continue they’ve had a legend return to the fold in the shape of James Graham who has been involved in their training this week.
We've got a special guest at training today. 🫂@SuperLeague #COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/wFB4xKTMwM
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 7, 2023
The Saints have also enjoyed an opposed session against North Sydney Bears today.
The club’s players took the day off work to participate so credit to them.
⚪️🔴 🤝 🔴⚫️
Today the Saints met the @NthSydneyBears in an opposed session as prep continues for the NRL Pre-Season Challenge
Most of the Bears team took the day off work to participate, we thank them kindly for the session with us today!#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/vUWcoYtDzn
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 8, 2023
The Saints meet St George on Saturday in a game which can be watched from 9:00 on Sky Sports Mix.
Then the week after is the World Club Challenge.
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