Wigan Warriors are preparing for the 2024 World Club Challenge which is set to be one of the biggest games of the season.
As Super League Champions Wigan prepare to take on the NRL Champions Penrith Panthers, a sell-out crowd is expected.
One stand has already been sold out and over 23,000 tickets have been sold as Wigan seem set for one of their biggest ever crowds.
The Cherry and Whites are taking on a Penrith side who have won the last three NRL Grand Finals and have contested the last four losing in 2020 to the Melbourne Storm.
They have a point to prove after being beaten in their own backyard by St Helens last year in one of the shock results of the season.
Blow for Wigan Warriors ahead of World Club Challenge
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 17/02/2019 – Rugby League – Betfred World Club Challenge – Wigan Warriors v Sydney Roosters – DW Stadium, Wigan, England – Sydney Roosters’ Matt Ikuvalu is tackled by Wigan’s George Williams and Gabe Hamlin.
Outgoing Penrith player Jarome Luai is still hoping to play in the World Club Challenge against Wigan next month in what would be a blow to Wigan’s chances of victory.
Despite just passing the 12-week mark after surgery for a left shoulder injury he sustained in last year’s grand final win, the five-eighth has he believes he will be participating in the game against Wigan on February 24.
Although Penrith has almost certainly ruled him out, Luai is determined to make the most of his final year at his home club. If absent from the game, it could reveal the favourite to replace him in 2025.
“It’s feeling good right now. I’m doing more team stuff. The last hurdle is contact,” he said to the Daily Telegraph.
“You know me, I was always going to be pushing for World Club Challenge. I don’t think it’s out of the question yet. I’m saying yes, I’ll always back myself and what I can do. It’s 4-5 weeks away. For me, that’s plenty of time.”
The absence of a key player could have significant implications for the three-time premiership-winning team. Coach Ivan Cleary will have to make a decision on who will wear the No.6 jersey next month, with options including returning junior Daine Laurie, new signing Brad Schneider, or promising talent Jack Cole.
This decision will kick off a year-long evaluation process to determine who will partner with Nathan Cleary in the halves position next year. Alternatively, the club may choose to acquire a player through the market.
In better news for Wigan, one of their key men has returned to running after a long injury layoff.
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