The biggest game in club rugby takes place tonight as Wigan Warriors host Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge with the Panthers looking to avenge defeat to a Super League side in 2023.
The Panthers lost to St Helens at their own stadium with the Red Vee having travelled down under and upset the odds by beating the back-t0-back NRL champions.
Penrith did the improbable and won a third NRL Premiership in a row thanks to a Nathan Cleary masterclass against Brisbane Broncos, the Australian half earning Man of the Match honours in spite of Brisbane’s Ezra Mam bagging a hattrick.
St Helens haven’t made it to the big game though, instead facing Huddersfield Giants in Super League today, with Wigan Warriors ending Saints dominance in Super League.
Matt Peet’s side defeated Catalans Dragons 10-2 at Old Trafford in October to earn their berth in this game and they now are rewarded with this mammoth game at their own DW Stadium.
A win in the game for Wigan would mark their fifth World Club Challenge title, whilst Penrith have yet to win one despite contesting the match three times.
Wigan Warriors name side to make history
Matt Peet has now named his squad for the epic game and the Cherry and Whites are close to full-strength for the match.
Harry Smith was perhaps fortunate to avoid a ban after his tip tackle against Castleford Tigers last week but thankfully he avoided that ban.
As such he will now partner Bevan French in the halves in what is close to the strongest possible side barring Luke Thompson.
Liam Marshall and Abbas Miski start on the wings with Harry Sunderland Trophy winner Jake Wardle alongside new recruit Adam Keighran in the centres.
The spine is completed by Brad O’Neill and Jai Field with Kruise Leeming the option off the bench to spell on and off at hooker.
Wigan’s forward pack comprises Mike Cooper, Liam Byrne, Willie Isa, Kaide Ellis and captain Liam Farrell.
Patrick Mago, Tyler Dupree and Harvie Hill make up the rest of the interchanges.
One NRL journalist has given Wigan Warriors no chance in his prediction, whilst there has also been disgust at the fact the rules used will be different to those used in Super League.
Wigan Warriors Line-Up
1 – Jai Field
2 – Abbas Miski
3 – Adam Keighran
4 – Jake Wardle
5 – Liam Marshall
6 – Bevan French
7 – Harry Smith
14 – Mike Cooper
9 – Brad O’Neill
10 – Liam Byrne
11 – Willie Isa
12 – Liam Farrell
13 – Kaide Ellis
Interchanges
15 – Patrick Mago
17 – Kruise Leeming
19 – Tyler Dupree
20 – Harvie Hill
Penrith Panthers Line-Up
1. Dylan EDWARDS
2. Sunia TURUVA
3. Izack TAGO
4. Taylan MAY
5. Brian TO’O
6. Jack COLE
7. Nathan CLEARY (c)
8. Moses LEOTA
9. Mitch KENNY
10. James FISHER-HARRIS
11. Luke GARNER
12. Liam MARTIN
13. Isaah YEO (c)
Interchanges
14. Tyrone PEACHEY
15. Lindsay SMITH
16. Liam HENRY
17. Matt EISENHUTH
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