Inside the Penrith Panthers’ training for the Manchester City and Warrington Wolves World Club Challenge.
The most recent time Penrith traveled to England for a World Club Challenge, the hit song ‘Take me to the Clouds Above’ dominated the UK charts, and some current Panthers players were barely born. Now, two decades later, the NRL champions are back in the UK, eagerly anticipating their clash with Wigan Warriors on Saturday.
Despite being crowned NRL champions for three consecutive seasons, the Panthers faced their first World Club Challenge against a British team last year due to COVID-related disruptions. Expectations were high as they faced St Helens, with Australian media even joking about declaring victory by halftime on social media.
However, the match didn’t unfold as expected. The Panthers had an off-day, and St Helens triumphed in golden point extra-time, making history as the first English side in the Super League era to win a World Club Challenge in Australia.
After recovering from this setback and securing a second straight Minor Premiership, the Panthers went on to win the NRL title in a dramatic Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos. Nathan Cleary, a standout performer, led the team to an 18-point comeback in the final 24 minutes, marking the largest comeback victory ever in an NRL final.
With this remarkable achievement came the opportunity to reclaim their title as world champions. The Panthers have meticulously prepared for the sold-out showdown at the DW Stadium, monitoring players’ sleep schedules, caffeine intake, and thoroughly examining the playing field. Their preparations have included sessions at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus training base and an opposed session with Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves.
Despite the prevailing belief in the NRL’s superiority over Super League in terms of professionalism, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged the learning experience, emphasizing the gratitude for the warm welcome received in the UK.
The Panthers are approaching this trip as more than just a rugby league obligation, considering it an opportunity to experience English culture as a team. Players have explored the city, attended a Premier League clash between Manchester City and Chelsea, and overall, they express excitement and gratitude for being part of this unique occasion.
As they gear up for the World Club Challenge against Wigan Warriors, Ivan Cleary highlighted the significance of earning the right to play in such a prestigious game. Both teams have worked hard, winning championships, and overcoming knockout stages to reach this point. Cleary sees the World Club Challenge’s return to a sold-out stadium as a positive sign and expressed the team’s eagerness for the upcoming match.
