Match Preview: Penrith
In association with Davanti Tyres, here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s Betfred World Club Challenge clash against Penrith Panthers.
The Super League champions face off against the NRL premiers in front of a sold out crowd at the DW Stadium on Saturday night.
Squad News
Matt Peet has made one change to his 21-player squad as Tiaki Chan replaces Luke Thompson who misses out after failing a HIA in the Warriors’ Super League win at Castleford Tigers.
Wigan squad for Penrith:
Opposition
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has also named a 21-player squad for the fixture.
World Club Challenge Record:
The Warriors will make a record ninth World Club Challenge appearance tomorrow night. Wigan will be aiming to become world champions for a fifth time whilst the Panthers will be looking to win a first.
Wigan Warriors World Club Challenge appearances:
- Matches: 8
- Wins: 4 (1987, 1991, 1994, 2017)
- Loses: 4 (1992, 2011, 2014, 2019)
Penrith Panthers World Club Challenge appearances:
- Matches: 3
- Wins: 0
- Loses: (1991, 2004, 2023)
The Warriors defeated the Panthers at Anfield, Liverpool, to win a second World Club Challenge title in 1991. Tries from Sam Panapa and David Myers, plus six Frano Botica goals and a Joe Lydon drop goal gave the Warriors a 21-4 win on a memorable night.
Highlights from the Warriors’ World Club Challenge victories are available to watch on Wigan TV HERE.
Coach and Captain Quotes
Matt Peet and Liam Farrell spoke to the media earlier this week alongside Ivan Cleary and Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo in a joint press conference held at the DW Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Peet said: “Fans turn up wanting to see some of the best players in the world play against their local heroes. That’s what is exciting about this game.”
Farrell added: “The Club’s got quite a strong history within the World Club Challenge so if we can play our small part in that and get a win on Saturday, that would be great for us to be a little piece of that special history.”
Watch the full press conference on Wigan TV HERE.
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday’s clash are sold out. All tickets for the fixture have now been issued via email – please check junk. If you have not yet received your ticket please contact the Club by emailing tickets@wiganwarriors.com urgently.
The DW Stadium Ticket Office will be open from 4pm to 8:15pm on Saturday to assist with any queries, however, no ticket sales will take place.
Turnstiles will open from 6:15pm, and we advise supporters to arrive in plenty of time to avoid queues upon entry into the stadium.
Please note that all seats are reserved for this fixture, which includes the Heatable South Stand.
Fan Village
Our Fan Village will be open from 3pm on Saturday afternoon to soak up all the pre-match atmosphere inside Robin Park Arena, which includes live music as well as live sport on our screens.
Our on-site bars will be in operation from when doors open, and a range of food will be available to purchase out on the running track! Please note that only card payments will be taken inside Robin Park Arena.
The Fan Village will be re-open post-match with live music, with last orders to be called at 10:45pm. Our Robin Park Arena Club-Store will be open from 10am right up until kick off, before re-opening after the final whistle.
DW Stadium
After soaking up the pre-match atmosphere in our Fan Village, the excitement will continue at the DW Stadium ahead of kick off!
Supporters are encouraged to take their seats from 7:15pm as Heather Small performs a 30-minute set, before Russell Watson will bring out the teams with a stirring rendition of the classic ‘Jerusalem’ accompanied by fire and fireworks. Ahead of kick off, the British and Australian national anthems will be played.
Full matchday information can be found HERE.
Matchday Programme
A special edition Betfred World Club Challenge matchday programme will be available from our sellers around the ground for £8, as well as being available to purchase in our Club Store at Robin Park Arena from Friday morning.
You can also purchase the matchday programme digitally for £6, which will be available to buy 2 hours before kick-off (6pm) HERE.
Kit Check
The Warriors will wear a limited edition 2024 Betfred World Club Challenge shirt against the Panthers, which draws elements from the one worn in the 1991 World Club Challenge victory over Penrith.
Not got yours? A limited number of Betfred World Club Challenge shirts and warm up tees are available to purchase in-store and online HERE. Full information on the limited edition shirt can be found HERE.
Match Officials
The referee in charge for Saturday’s World Club Challenge clash will be Liam Moore, whilst Chris Kendall has been selected as the video referee.
How to Follow
Listen Live
Listen to free audio commentary of Wigan Warriors v Penrith Panthers from XXpm. Head to our Mixlr page by clicking HERE. Alternatively, you can simply use the pop out player below:
Watch Live
If you cannot watch the action live inside the DW Stadium, the match will be shown on BCC Two as well as Sky Sports Main Event and Action.
Social Media:
As an alternative to following the game, Wigan fans can keep up-to-date with every piece of the action via our social media channels and website:
- Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – live game updates and reaction at the final hooter.
- Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – behind-the-scenes action, both before and after kick-off.
- Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – live matchday information and reaction.
- Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report, and head coach and players reaction.
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