WCC 2024: Wigan Warriors v Penrith Panthers

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. 

British Colombia RL : 2015-21

2015 seems to have been the year that a consistent season by season league started. If anyone can add additional information about the history of RL in this province, please leave a comment. The 2022 season is a bit sketchy for me as well if someone can assist there too.

Six teams participated with the Capilano Cougars winning the league and doing so undefeated. The next best team, the Vancouver Dragons lost once to take second place. The Abbottsford Griffins were unable to secure a win.

The Cougars and Dragons played in the grand final with the Cougars winning that also, 30-6. 

The Vancouver Thunderbirds dropped out but the other five returned in 2016. Again, the Capilano Cougars won all four league games. In a surprise turnaround, last year's wooden spoon winners came second with just the one loss. It was the Valley Warrior's turn to go winless.

The Cougars won the final again, 48-12 over the Griffins. That was the double in both seasons so was there a dynasty in the making?

The Surrey Beavers went and in came the Kelowna Roosters. The latter took the league, winning all matches. The Valley Warriors got off the canvas and were second. The Griffins went back losing all games.

In the final, the Warriors took the final 20-0! Not bad for the team coming last a year earlier. First year Roosters had a good introductory year.

Kelowna Roosters decided one season was enough and then there were four. Each team played each other twice to make it the longest season yet. The Vancouver Dragons finally took the league title (undefeated) from the Cougars.

They also won their first grand final, 26-24 over the twice winners Cougars. 

The Abbotsford Griffins left after four years of competing, the Cougars appear to have changed their name to Coastal Cougars and the Point Grey Thunder joined the competition.

For the first time, no side went through the league undefeated. The newbies Thunder won the league on their debut season. The Cougars came second. That would usually be the final sides determined but this year semi finals were held. 

The top two from the league won their semis, the Cougars 32-22 and the Thunder 34-14 They then met in the final with the Cougars in their fourth appearance. That experience probably helped as they won their third grand final 38-28.

The five became six when the Whistler Wolves were added to the competition. The Point Grey Thunder won all five matches, the Valley Vipers just three but enough to secure second placing. All teams had at least one victory.

The Thunder went on to take out the double, with a narrow 38-34 result over the Vipers in the grand final. 

If I can find the full 2022 season, it will follow as will 2023. 

Utah RL : 2023

There were four sides participating in 2023 and the matches are listed below in the purple chart.

I did some research on their location which I hope is correct. The Herriman Roosters is in the southwest part of Salt Lake City. Glendale is a suburb on the western side of Salt Lake City. Riverton Seagulls are located in the south of Salt Lake City but I'm not sure there are many seagulls there. The Provo Broncos is slightly south of Salt Lake City, to the right of Utah Lake. 

The final standings to the right had the Broncos as winners. The three games not played earned a single point each (under D). I'm not sure why some matches didn't eventuate. I assume insufficient players or weather conditions. 

The Provo Broncos went on to play the Santa Rosa dead Pelicans to decide the best team in the west. Provo prevailed 36-12. They were stripped of the win due to some major failings regarding players used.