Penrith Panthers is pleased to confirm that the club will travel to England to contest the World Club Challenge against Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.
The game will take place at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Saturday 24 February at 8:00pm (Sunday 25 February 7:00am AEDT).
Wigan Warriors defeated Catalans Dragons 10-2 in the Super League Grand Final to become Super League Champions in October while Penrith Panthers were victors over the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL Grand Final to set up this mouth-watering Clash of the Champions.
The match will be the second time the two sides have met in a World Club Challenge with Wigan winning the previous encounter 21-4 at Anfield in 1991.
The Panthers will be looking to claim its first World Club Challenge title in the club’s fourth appearance.
This game will be Wigan’s ninth attempt at becoming World Club Champions, having claimed the title in 1987, 1991, 1993 and 2017.
Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said: “We are excited to travel to England next February to test ourselves against the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors.”
“The World Club Challenge is such a vital piece of the rugby league calendar and we’re looking forward to contesting the match for a second straight year.
“Wigan are a proud rugby league club that have achieved sustained success for many years, which will give the Panthers an exciting challenge to open the 2024 campaign.”
Wigan Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski said: “We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Betfred World Club Challenge against the Penrith Panthers will be held in Wigan.
“In recent weeks, substantial efforts have been invested to ensure the game takes place, fuelled by a keen interest from the Panthers to participate.
“This presents a fantastic opportunity for our club to host one of the NRL's most formidable teams, providing a special treat for Wigan fans and rugby league enthusiasts alike. Anticipation is high and we promise to put on a show.”
Ticket details for the game along with details of events leading up to the game will be released shortly.
Rugby League Commercial Managing Director Rhodri Jones said: “The Betfred World Club Challenge is a mouth-watering fixture to relish in the opening weeks of our 2024 season, as two of the world’s great Rugby League clubs meet in Wigan.
“All credit must go to both clubs for the collegiate way discussions have taken place to confirm the fixture.
“It promises to be a very special night, with Penrith determined to be crowned world club champions for the first time, and Wigan are looking to extend their wonderful history in the World Club Challenge stretching back almost four decades, including a previous victory against the Panthers.”
