World Club Challenge faces cancellation as Las Vegas repercussions come into play

Wigan Warriors were crowned World Club Champions for a fifth time.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The World Club Challenge is at risk of being cancelled in 2025 due to logistical issues arising from next year's Las Vegas event. Rugby League Live has learned that the match, which sees the champions from Super League and the NRL go head-to-head, will not be played if both champion sides are playing in America as part of the NRL's latest major event.

Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will head to Sin City next year to be part of the weekend bonanza, which is due to take place just one week after the World Club Challenge. Both clubs are still in the battle to be crowned Super League champions and will feature in the semi-finals this week.

Meanwhile, Penrith Panthers, who will play Cronulla Sharks in Vegas next year, have reached their fifth consecutive NRL Grand Final and are due to play Melbourne Storm this weekend as they go in search of a fourth consecutive title.

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Melbourne are said to be committed to travelling to the UK to compete against Super League's best if they are victorious, but if the Panthers win, they will only participate if the game is held in Australia as the travel schedule they have in place to make it to Vegas makes a stop off in England unrealistic.

The same applies for Wigan and Warrington heading down under, with the two clubs set to jet off to the States a day after the World Club Challenge, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd.

As a result, the World Club Challenge will only take place under the scenario that Melbourne win, which will see them come to the UK to play Super League's best, or if Penrith win and then one of Hull KR or Leigh Leopards win the Grand Final, which would then see them travel down under to play the Panthers.

It would be a shame for the concept, which has captured the imagination in recent years after some epic showdowns. St Helens stunned the world when they defeated Penrith on their own patch in 2023, then Wigan beat Ivan Cleary's side earlier this year in front of a sell-out crowd.

Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris of Penrith Panthers look on dejected following the Betfred Super League Final match between Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons at DW Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris of Penrith Panthers look on dejected following the Betfred Super League Final match between Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons at DW Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

But with travel challenges proving too difficult to overcome, there is now a possibility that the game won't take place.

World Club Challenge 2025 scenarios

Melbourne Storm win - Game takes place in the UK against Super League champions
Penrith Panthers & Hull KR or Leigh Leopards win - Game takes place in Australia
Penrith Panthers & Wigan Warriors or Warrington Wolves win - World Club Challenge is called off