Ivan Cleary praises Wigan Warriors for their defensive performance, while the Penrith boss commends the ‘outstanding’ event.
The lead changed hands five times during the intense match at the DW Stadium, with Penrith holding a narrow 12-10 lead at halftime thanks to contributions from star player Nathan Cleary and full-back Dylan Edwards.
However, the Warriors managed to keep Penrith scoreless in the second half, with center Jake Wardle scoring the decisive try on 52 minutes, leading to a final score of 16-12 in Wigan’s favor.
Wigan full-back Jai Field made three crucial try-saving tackles, including a decisive stop on Taylan May as the final whistle blew, with the video referee unable to overturn the on-field decision of no try.
With this defeat, Penrith’s quest for their first World Club Challenge title continues, as they now hold a record of 0-4 in the competition.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary acknowledged Wigan’s exceptional defensive effort, praising their desperation and ability to scramble throughout the match.
“Our attack was a bit disjointed at times, which is understandable given it’s the first game of the season with several different combinations,” Cleary remarked. “Wigan capitalized on their chances, while we missed ours, and congratulations to them for that.”
Despite the loss, Cleary commended the atmosphere at Wigan’s stadium, with a sold-out crowd of 24,091 enjoying live entertainment before the game and witnessing an exciting spectacle on the field.
Wigan’s victory secured their fifth title, matching a record, and head coach Matt Peet has now won all four major trophies since taking charge in 2022.
Reflecting on the event, Cleary emphasized its significance for the game and the Super League, expressing his satisfaction with Penrith’s participation despite the loss.
“I thought it was an outstanding night,” Cleary concluded. “It felt like a big occasion and was great for rugby league. We were happy to come here and compete, win or lose.”
