World Club Challenge update as Wigan Warriors chase Penrith Panthers rematch

Wigan Warriors' hopes of defending the World Club Challenge are over, with any prospect of a rematch with Penrith Panthers now gone. The Super League champions have been desperate to secure another bout with the NRL's top side, who won their fourth consecutive title last month.

However, despite extensive efforts to make the game a reality, logistical issues have ultimately prevailed, with all possible options now put to bed for a variety of reasons.

The fixture was thrown into chaos when the Penrith CEO, Brian Fletcher, stated there was no way the club could participate due to welfare and logistical challenges arising from their participation in the Las Vegas weekend.

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That is due to take place a week after the scheduled date for the World Club Challenge, which would have seen Penrith potentially travelling to the UK and then America in back-to-back weekends.

Wigan were willing to head down under to get another go at Penrith, but then the Panthers had concerns regarding the welfare of their players, many of whom wouldn't have had the mandatory rest that is required in NRL contracts.

Their superstar halfback, Nathan Cleary, then proposed having the game take place during the NRL's Magic Round, but Penrith has commercial agreements to play specific opponents that weekend, meaning that could not go ahead either.

With all avenues now explored without success, sources believe there is now no chance of the game taking place, a huge shame for the sport after its recent success. St Helens stunned the world in 2023 when they defeated Penrith on their own patch and last year Wigan sold out the Brick Community Stadium as they won a thrilling contest against Ivan Cleary's side.

As a result, Wigan will technically remain world champions for another year, while Penrith's wait to win the trophy continues, having never won it in their entire history.

Wigan do have plenty of travelling to still get excited about. They play Warrington Wolves in the Vegas weekend and in 2026, they have been pencilled in to play Catalans Dragons in Paris as part of plans to celebrate the French club's 20-year anniversary in the professional ranks.

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