Wigan fans give Penrith Panthers stars early morning wake-up call by setting off fireworks outside hotel
Wigan supporters greeted Penrith Panthers players with an unexpected disturbance as fireworks lit up the sky outside their hotel in the early hours before their World Club Challenge match. Despite this disruption, Wigan secured a narrow and contentious 16-12 victory over the three-time NRL champions on Sunday morning.
Footage circulated on social media depicted someone igniting fireworks outside the Panthers’ hotel during the early hours of Saturday, potentially disrupting the players’ rest. The video, titled ‘Early wake up call for the Penrith Panthers,’ sparked outrage among some rugby league fans.
Wigan claimed their fifth world title in a thrilling contest marked by controversy, particularly surrounding a disputed second-half try by Warriors center Jake Wardle. Despite the efforts of the Panthers, including a late attempt by Taylan May, who almost scored a dramatic equalizing try, inconclusive evidence prevented overturning the on-field decision.
Penrith struggled to find their rhythm, committing errors and facing challenges in executing their attacking plays. Former Parramatta player turned Wigan five-eighth, Bevan French, showcased his skills, contributing to Wigan’s early lead with strategic passing that led to crucial points.
Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards scored for Penrith, with Cleary capitalizing on a mishandled kick and Edwards exploiting a gap in Wigan’s defense just before halftime. Despite May’s valiant efforts, including a late line break swiftly thwarted by Wigan’s Jai Field, Penrith couldn’t overcome Wigan’s defense.
The match concluded with Penrith’s winger Sunia Turuva sidelined due to a knee injury sustained while attempting to prevent a kick from going out of bounds
