They might be in the midst of one of the sport's most dominant runs ever, but Penrith Panthers are looking to beef up their trophy cabinet even further, with the team announcing they will be traveling to England in search of their first World Club Challenge title.
Following three-straight NRL premierships, the Panthers will look to take their rugby league dominance global, with the Wigan Warriors squarely in their sights.
Wigan - who took out the 2023 Super League Championship - will be a tough test for Penrith, setting up a clash of the titans early next year.
"We are excited to travel to England next February to test ourselves against the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors," Panthers CEO Matt Cameron said.
"The World Club Challenge is such a vital piece of the rugby league calendar and we’re looking forward to contesting the match for a second straight year."
“We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Betfred World Club Challenge against the Penrith Panthers will be held in Wigan," Warriors Chief Executive Kris Radlinski said.
"This presents a fantastic opportunity for our club to host one of the NRL's most formidable teams, providing a special treat for Wigan fans and rugby league enthusiasts alike. Anticipation is high and we promise to put on a show."
What is the World Club Challenge?
The World Club Challenge is an annual game between the premiers of the NRL and the champions of the British Super League.
This year, the NRL is represented by the Penrith Panthers after they defeated the Brisbane Broncos, while the Wigan Warriors will play for the Super League, as they took down Catalans Dragons.
When is the World Club Challenge?
The Penrith Panthers take on the Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge on Saturday, February 24 at DW Stadium in Wigan.
The game is set to start at 8pm local time (7am February 25 AEDT).
How many World Club Challenges have Penrith Panthers won?
Despite being in the midst of a historic NRL run, four straight finals appearances and back-to-back-to-back premierships, the team is yet to win a World Club Challenge title.
The event was cancelled due to COVID during the team's first two premierships, and they were defeated 13-12 by St Helens in the 2023 edition - their only other appearance also a loss to the Bradford Bulls in 2004.
Wigan have been much more successful, winning the title in 1987, 1991, 1994, and 2017, with losses in 1992, 2011, 2014, and 2019.
