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.
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
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