Panthers suffer a heart-stopping loss in the intense World Club Challenge matchup.
Former Dragons fullback Jai Field made two crucial tackles to prevent tries and set up the winning play as Wigan shocked Penrith with a contentious 16-12 victory in the World Club Challenge.
With a packed DW Stadium roaring with 24,091 fans, Wigan ensured that the elusive World Club Challenge title remained beyond the reach of the three-time NRL champions.
Penrith held a slim 12-10 lead at halftime in a back-and-forth first half, but Field’s well-placed kick led to the only try of the second half, scored by former Newcastle center Joe Wardle. Despite controversy over the grounding, the try stood, and Wigan’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
Man-of-the-match Bevan French was denied a try due to offside, leaving Wigan to rely on Field’s heroics in defense. His crucial tackle on Taylan May in the dying moments sealed the win for Wigan after the video referee upheld the on-field decision of no try.
Wigan took an early lead with a try from Abbas Miski, set up by Bevan French. Penrith fought back with a try from Nathan Cleary off an unconventional bounce, followed by another from Kruise Leeming. Dylan Edwards put Penrith ahead just before halftime, but Wigan reclaimed the lead through Joe Wardle’s controversial try.
Despite a late surge from Penrith, including a disallowed try from Taylan May, Wigan held on to secure the victory, repeating their triumph over Penrith from 1991. Penrith’s record in World Club Challenge matches now stands at four losses in as many contests.
