If you drive down the M6 motorway from the town of Penrith, you will arrive in Wigan in about an hour and a half. This has nothing to do with this story because the Penrith that traveled to take on the Warriors to determine the best RL club in the world came over from Sydney, Australia.
Last year, the Panthers hosted St Helens and narrowly lost. Could they reverse that result and win their first World Club Challenge? Wigan on the other hand has won four. So on the 24th of Feb, 2024, they met. Both sides were somewhat underdone regarding preparation as it is the start of their seasons.
In a tight match, the Warriors scored the first try (ninth minute, unconverted). When the Panthers replied (27th minute, converted), they led 6-4. Wigan went ahead again but another try to Penrith had them leading 12-10 at the break.
In the second period, scoring was proving difficult. Wigan got what looked like a spectacular try but was ruled out but decisions like that go both ways. The Panthers had a strong territorial advantage but couldn't fire on attack. It was the Warriors that broke the deadlock and went on to win 16-12.
In any close scoring game, the decisions the officials make are scrutinised as in effect they may decide the outcome. I had no issue with that as all calls had merit and even multiple camera angles were not conclusive.
One incident that I didn't like is shown in the video and is of the last Wigan try. The Penrith number 12 comes in too late to stop the Wigan player so instead attempts to push him back into the field of play. This was in the hope of convincing the referee that the attacking player didn't make the tryline.
Whether the player did reach the line or make a double movement in crossing the line is difficult to see but the action of the defender makes me glad it was awarded. The right result and considering the pressure Wigan absorbed the worthy winners.
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