'We'll play anywhere' Wigan Warriors chief delivers World Club Challenge offer to Penrith
Wigan Warriors will play Penrith Panthers anywhere on the planet to make sure the World Club Challenge goes ahead. That's the message from club CEO Kris Radlinski who is preparing to launch conversations with the management of the NRL champions in an attempt to book a rematch between the best two teams the sport has to offer.
Wigan's defence of the Super League title on Saturday night saw them earn the right to defend the world title next year, a trophy they won after defeating the Panthers in an enthralling contest in February. However, any hopes of a second battle appeared to have been crushed when the Penrith CEO, Brian Fletcher, said there was "no way in the world" that they would compete due to concerns for the welfare of their players.
Radlinski admitted that Fletcher's public admission was the first time he had been made aware of Penrith's position but intends to do everything he can to find a solution that works for all parties, with the Warriors desperate to get a second instalment in next year's calendar.
"I've been reluctant to talk about it until we're in the conversation but I'll try my best this week," Radlinski told Rugby League Live.
"I started conversations with Vegas and always had the World Club Challenge in mind. The date was set, but things have changed. I've read about it in the press like everyone else, unfortunately.
"It would be really sad for it to fall away after what was built last year. I thought Penrith were amazing, the occasion was amazing, but to read it's not going to happen, it's not what we want.
"We'll play in the UK, we'll play in Australia, we'll play anywhere if it can be done."
Heading down under would give the Warriors a tough schedule at the start of the 2025 season. The World Club Challenge is scheduled for the week before the Vegas extravaganza, where Wigan are playing Warrington Wolves as part of an expanded event. Radlinski insists Wigan are willing to do it.
"Is it a big ask? A group of blokes living the dream of playing rugby all around the world? We're not roofing in the rain, that's a difficult job. Whatever it takes, we will play it. We did Vegas on the premise a date was set. Things have changed, which is unfortunate, but it's been hard to have the conversation until we're in the big dance. Now we're in the big dance and I'll try. It needs two people to make it happen.
"It's a big ask because Penrith have come out and mentioned fatigue, which is their prerogative. I respect them as a club for everything they did last year. But I don't want to lose what was an amazing occasion for Super League and the NRL last year.
"We want to play rugby league on the biggest stage. Will it be a big ask on the players? Of course it will, but what an opportunity as well. We want to play."
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