After all the red card nonsense 24 hours earlier, it was wonderful Wigan’s cherry red that ruled the world.
The World Club Challenge threatened to be overshadowed by Friday’s farcical sending-off of Hull’s Nu Brown at Warrington. Frustrated players and fans alike were in uproar that someone could be dismissed for an accidental head clash with such ‘minimal’ contact. However, the RFL’s strict new rulings weren’t in use tonight - and the rugby did the talking.
Super League champions Wigan and three-peat NRL premiers Penrith battled it out for global glory. And between them they delivered a true classic in front of a rocking sold-out DW Stadium - with desperate Wigan producing a remarkable try-saving tackle on Taylan May with the final play. Video referee Chris Kendall poured over replays for what felt like an eternity. And there had already been plenty of controversy.
There were huge doubts over Jake Wardle’s 57th minute match-winning try as Wigan won the title for a record-equalling fifth time, drawing level with Sydney Roosters.
Jai Field dabbed a kick in and England centre Wardle showed great strength to gather on the run and get close. He looked short of the goal line. But referee Liam Moore awarded a try - and fellow Englishman Kendall confirmed it so.
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Harry Smith slotted the second of his two goals for a 16-12 lead and Matt Peet’s Super League champions dug deep for a famous victory. Kangaroos golden boy Nathan Cleary, rated the world’s greatest player, should have rescued Penrith. But the scrum-half spilled a gilt-edged pass with the line begging on the hour mark.
And then Aussie full-back Field produced a brilliant try-saving tackle after May raced through for the first of his big two chances. The outstanding Wigan stand-off Bevan French saw his 71st-minute effort ruled out for offside. But it didn’t matter as his side defied the odds, scrambling in heroic style to prevent May again as the clock ticked down, to keep the World Club Challenge in English hands.
Wigan Warriors have been crowned World Club Challenge champions (Getty Images)Ten of the Penrith starting 13 defeated by St Helens 12 months ago came here looking for redemption. But they left empty-handed: Panthers have now lost all four of their bids for this title. They went in at the break 12-10 ahead after impressive full-back Dylan Edwards sneaked over with just 65 seconds remaining.
Steely Wigan had done a fine job muscling up against the powerful visiting pack. And they looked like they’d wrapped them up on the last tackle for a fifth time. But Aussie loose forward Isaah Yeo just managed to smuggle out a late offload and Edwards zipped through the space.
Cleary slotted the second of his two goals and you sensed his side would grow. The way they ripped in from the kick-off, it hardly looked like this was their first game since last October’s epic Grand Final win. Penrith were primed and ready. Yet Wigan scored first, French’s lovely cut-out pass sending over Penrith-born Abbas Miski on nine minutes.
Brilliant cover defence denied Brian To’o a try in response but the visitors did cross after Miski spilled Cleary’s high kick, Mitch Kenny mopped up and Cleary finished off. He also converted but reigning Man of Steel French came to the fore again in the 32nd minute. Another of his cut-out passes saw Adam Keighran put Miski clear, Isa supported and Kruise Leeming finished off, Smith improving.
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