Tries from Abbas Miski, Cruz Leeming and Jake Wardle (two of which were converted by Harry Smith) saw Wigan crowned their fifth World Club Champion. Video refereeing drama in the second half denied Penrith. Watch Super League and NRL live on Sky Sports in 2024
10:33, UK, Sunday 25 February 2024
Jake Wardle's converted try proved the difference as Wigan secured a dramatic 16-12 win over Penrith.
The Warriors trailed early, but last season's try-scorer Abbas Miski scored wide of the net in the ninth minute to take the lead, but Nathan Cleary put the Panthers ahead with a converted score in the 27th minute. .
Wigan fought back with a goal from Cruz Leeming, but it was the NRL champions who took a 12-10 lead at half-time thanks to a try from Dylan Edwards. However, they regained the lead in the second half with center Wardle's conversion try after the video referee adjudged him grounding out the ball while being tackled.
However, a video referee was called to rule on whether Tyrann Maye scored on the final play of the game, but said there was not enough evidence to overturn an on-field “no try” ruling. There was drama until the end. Wigan have been crowned club world champions for the fifth time.
game story
It was another night for Wigan to add to their list of all-time title winners (the most recent being in 2017). All of that was recalled at the pre-match presentation, where representatives from all four prominent teams paraded their silverware. .
Still, the Warriors' night of glory began in an ignominious fashion in the first set when Willie Isa spilled the ball just short of his own 10, but inexperienced Penrith standoff Jack Cole still bounced back. The hosts were able to survive the early onslaught.
Abbas Miski found space in the Penrith defence, giving Wigan their first try in the World Club Challenge.
In the first advance ten minutes later, Jay Field took advantage of a repeat set to penetrate inside the visitors' danger zone and the ball was sent out to the right as Bevan France sent Lebanese international Miski into the corner.
Cole was more confident after making his second top-flight start, but the Panthers applied more pressure, with Brian To'o defending inches from the final line and Moses Leota looking for another golden opportunity.
Penrith's equalizer arrived via Cleary just after the half-hour mark, but his initial kick was deflected by Miski and Cole fed the experienced scrum-half to jump over and then convert to give the Australian side two. gave them a point lead.
Nathan Cleary's high kick was fumbled by Abbas Miski and the ball was recovered by Dylan Edwards, who finished at scrum half.
Just when Penrith's speed and pressure looked to have made a difference, Wigan reacted again and once again broke through down the right flank, where Adam Keiglan found Miski, who sent the ball into the infield, via Issa. Then Leeming finished.
Smith's conversion from under the posts gave Wigan a four-point lead, but the opponents hit back just before half-time, with lively full-back Dylan Edwards falling over in a repeat set, and Cleary in the last of the first half. He took the decision and made a fresh start. Returning the side to a 2 point lead.
Australian international Cleary continued to orchestrate Penrith's attacks from the start of the second half, his cleverness almost forcing Sunia Trouba into a corner, but once again Wigan withstood a tough attack and Wardle was sent home after 55 minutes. He hit back after twisting the ball to restore Wigan's narrow lead.
Jay Field showed incredible speed and power to deny Tyrann May's try that looked inevitable.
Smith's second successful conversion put Wigan back within four points, but there were signs of frustration creeping into the Penrith side as Cleary missed a good opportunity after Isah Yeo broke his line.
With the clock ticking down, the hosts hung on and Field looked almost certain to equalize when Field made a stunning last tackle to throw May into touch after an explosive clearance from the Penrith center. I was disappointed.
French almost had it won when he converted a Smith kick with eight minutes remaining, but Wigan's celebrations were cut short for offside.
Jake Wardle collected Jay Field's kick and almost dropped the ball over the try line after managing to evade the tackles of Dylan Edwards and Brian To'o.
The home side were forced to endure a nerve-wracking final minute as May crashed into a corner amidst jeers and jeers, forcing Wigan to wait agonizingly until their famous victory was secured.
The pain was clear on Cleary's face as Wigan celebrated the verdict on screen, but he was unable to stop his team. All but three of them started in last year's golden point loss to St Helens and failed in the team's quest. Earn your first trophy.
what they said was
Wigan's Bevan French named Player of the Match:
Bevan French was relieved as Wigan Warriors managed to survive the pressure from Penrith Panthers.
“I don't think I can put it into words. It was crazy. We knew it was going to be tough, but we didn't expect it to happen until the very last moment.
“I felt relieved after the last tackle. I don't know how to explain it.”
Wigan head coach Matt Peat has won every trophy available in his third season in charge.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peat said he was happy to work with his players and the next challenge was to continue the momentum they had built.
“The players have done it and I haven't done it yet. And I'm lucky to be involved in so much work. I love working with them.
“Tonight was the culmination of a lot of hard work, off the field and on the field, and we're going to have to do it again and again.
“It’s not just about winning trophies, it’s about filling this place and standing up for something.”
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary:
Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said Wigan had three chances to score a try and executed all of them, but his side were unable to capitalize on their opponents' pressure.
“You can't take anything away from our players. I thought they played well in terms of field position and creating chances, but the reality is we can't play as well as they did. was.”
“They trailed us three times and scored three times. That's not something we're proud of, but they outperformed us and that was enough for us tonight.”
What's next?
wigan warriors Return to Super League action when they play against each other on Friday 1st March huddersfield giants at DW Stadium (kick-off 8pm) in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena. penrith panthers Begins away quest for fourth consecutive NRL title melbourne stormwhich will be streamed live from Sky Sports Arena on Friday 8th March (9.05am kick-off).
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