Shaun Maloney gives words of support for Wigan Warriors ahead of World Club Challenge encounter.
The highly anticipated World Club Challenge between Super League champions Wigan Warriors and NRL kings Penrith Panthers is set to take place at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Shaun Maloney, the head coach of Wigan Athletic, is eagerly anticipating this clash of titans, with both teams aiming for victory in the biggest fixture in club rugby league.
Published on February 22, 2024, at 17:02 GMT, and updated at 17:03 GMT, the event is considered a significant spectacle in club rugby league. Wigan Warriors, led by Matt Peet, will host the Australian NRL champions Penrith Panthers, making it a momentous occasion.
Notably, the close ties between the two clubs, who share the DW Stadium and have common ownership under Mike Danson, add an extra layer of excitement to the World Club Challenge. Latics head coach Shaun Maloney expresses his support for the Warriors, as they aim to secure a record-equalling fifth world championship title.
Due to the connection between the clubs, the League One fixture between Wigan Athletic and Cheltenham has been rescheduled 24 hours earlier to Friday, coinciding with the showdown between the two rugby league champions.
Maloney confirms his attendance at the game, citing the significant connection with the Warriors’ staff. Acknowledging the magnitude of the match, he emphasizes the importance of being present and expresses his excitement, having previously attended the Grand Final.
Wigan Warriors had a highly successful season in the previous year, clinching both the League Leaders’ Shield and their sixth Super League title by defeating Catalans Dragons in the 2023 Grand Final at Old Trafford. On the other side of the globe, Ivan Cleary’s Panthers made history in Australia by winning three consecutive Grand Finals, marking a remarkable achievement in NRL history with a memorable comeback against the Brisbane Broncos.
