Wigan Warriors release iconic World Club Challenge shirt for Penrith Panthers clash
The shirt draws elements from the one worn in the 1991 World Club Challenge, where Wigan Warriors beat Penrith Panthers 21-4 at Anfield.
Rich red hoops sit with adjacent red strips and as a nod to the team of ’91 their names are etched into the fabric of the inner two strips. The inner of the shirt features the wording ‘I love Wigan me’ between the shoulder blades.
The final element sees the scoreboard etched into the lower right hand side of the shirt, listing the score from the 1991 game as well as the scorers. The shirt is paired with red shorts and red and white socks.
A limited number of 1,991 shirts will be available.
Wigan Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski said: “Martin Dermott gave a compelling speech to the players this week, focusing on his experience playing in World Club Challenge games and reflecting on his 1991 match against Penrith.
“The atmosphere in the room was electric, with everyone fully engrossed in his captivating memories. His involvement in unveiling our 2024 World Club Challenge kit is truly inspiring for all of us.
He added: “The kit honours the players who participated at Anfield in 1991, each of whom has left an indelible mark on our history and deserves to be celebrated and recognised. Those players will all be receiving one of these special jerseys in the coming weeks as a way of thanking them for their outstanding contribution to our club.”
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Panthers out to dodge World Club Challenge ‘hangover’
Nathan Cleary admits last year’s World Club Challenge loss left Penrith with a hangover that impacted their start to the NRL season, but the premiers are out to right the wrongs in 2024.
And Jarome Luai insists he could return early from his shoulder injury for the clash with Wigan on February 25 (AEDT), when the all-conquering Panthers can clinch the only trophy that has eluded them.
Penrith suffered a surprise 13-12 home loss to Super League champions St Helens in the 2023 clash as they reconfigured following Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau’s departures.
It proved the start of an unconvincing month for the reigning premiers.
The Panthers lost two of their first three NRL games and found themselves in an uncharacteristic slump chasing a third consecutive title.
As they lay the groundwork for a fourth, Penrith are out to harness the game as preparation to hit the ground running this season.
“It kind of was a bit of a hangover last year,” Cleary told AAP ahead of the World Club Challenge at Wigan’s DW Stadium.
“Just seeing how much it meant to St Helens and losing that game did hurt. We want to try to correct that this year.
“Obviously, over there will be a greater challenge in front of their home fans.”
The Panthers have won three consecutive premierships and three minor premierships in a four-year period of dominance.
But a victory in the World Club Challenge, cancelled due COVID-19 after their first grand final win, remains absent from the team’s CV.
No Penrith side of yesteryear has won the title, either; the 1991 and 2003 NRL premiership-winning teams both lost handily to their British hosts.
“That’s why it’s such a great opportunity for us. We as a club have never won it,” Cleary said.
Luai says medical staff might not be able to stop him from lining up in the fixture if his shoulder feels up to it.
The five-eighth underwent surgery after aggravating a previous injury during Penrith’s third consecutive grand final win – a 26-24 comeback defeat of Brisbane in October.
Luai, who joins Wests Tigers in 2025, has spent the bulk of the pre-season nursing back to strength away from his teammates.
But he made it through an opposed session unscathed at the weekend and could earn valuable match practice in the World Club Challenge.
“I’m telling everyone I’m a chance to play,” he told AAP.
“I’m not too sure the physios agree with me on that but I guess I’ll have the last say.”
“If anyone knows me, (they know) I don’t want to miss too much footy, obviously I want to make sure the shoulder is 100 per cent. I’m definitely on my way.”
