World Club Challenge could return to Australia as Super League duo face global tour

[josie andrews]

It had been assumed the World Club Challenge would be in the UK next year, though that isn't necessarily the case.

The World Club Challenge could still be played in Australia next year as Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves face the prospect of a worldwide tour next year.

Rugby League Commercial's Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, has confirmed that the fixture between the champions of Super League and the NRL will take place next year, though its location has yet to be confirmed.

Wigan Warriors won the event last year in what was considered a huge success, with the club selling out the DW Stadium weeks in advance for their game with Penrith Panthers. Wigan's victory, and St Helens' triumph in Australia the year before, has seen the concept receive a significant boost.

After the NRL's Las Vegas success last year, the general consensus coming from organisers was that the World Club Challenge would be best kept in the UK as an annual fixture. However, Jones has admitted that hasn't been signed off just yet.

The World Club Challenge is scheduled to be played on Saturday, February 22nd, with the Las Vegas weekend featuring Wigan and Warrington played seven days later. As a result, the two clubs face the prospect of playing games on different continents for three consecutive weekends if they win the Grand Final and head to Australia.

"The NRL and ourselves are wanting to work closer together, and who knows what opportunities that might bring," Jones said.

For various reasons when in conversation with the NRL, the guidance was it would be a Super League game in Las Vegas, and we immediately said we can't forget about the World Club Challenge, it's a tentpole moment in our season and they certainly respect that as well. I think both hemispheres acknowledge the importance of the game in the calendar, and hopefully we can get that confirmed in the next few months.

Logistical challenges, and they work both ways. If one of Warrington or Wigan were to win the Grand Final, they could have to go to Australia and then Vegas, likewise, it's the same for a NRL team the other way around. From a Rugby League Commercial and NRL perspective, the game is going to happen.


"I think the NRL have to do some further work with their clubs. Our clubs would prefer it to be here, but acknowledge what St Helens did a few years ago was an unbelievable achievement, so that's not off the cards either. There's still a bit of work to do on it."

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... n-29686161

[Mike]

TBH if an Aussie side that's going to Vegas qualifies for the WCC I don't think the WCC will happen.

[morley pie eater]

"A tentpole moment"? New one on me.

[fozzie58]

TBH if an Aussie side that's going to Vegas qualifies for the WCC I don't think the WCC will happen.

I can’t see how it can go ahead frankly if that’s the case

[jobo]

"A tentpole moment"? New one on me.

Does he mean SL and Sky build the season around it?

If he does, he'd have been better using the King pole analogy.

I'm rambling now so I'll shut up.

[kitt green warriors]

If it does happen that both teams are playing in Vegas then play the WCC the previous Saturday in Vegas or midweek like we just have.