Wigan Warriors keen on Magic Round for World Club Challenge

The Wigan Warriors are willing to travel to Brisbane to play the Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge during next year’s NRL Magic Round.

Panthers captain Nathan Cleary floated the idea via social media on Monday, and it has quickly gained traction.

“I did see Nathan’s comments, and if there’s a way we can make this work, we’d love to play at Magic Round,” said Kris Radlinski, Wigan’s chief executive.

Next year’s World Club Challenge was thrown into doubt since both clubs are already playing league games in Las Vegas in March.

While the Magic Round move would require some work on Wigan’s part, the Super League champions appear eager to defend their title.

“I went to that weekend a few years ago, it was a wonderful festival,” Radlinski continued.

“We want the game to go ahead, since we’ve won the grand final.

“I’ve sent a note to the NRL and to Penrith to see what are the chances of it happening.

“It wouldn’t be ideal for us, but you have to make choices.

“We played Penrith at the start of this year, and that meant we had to postpone a Super League game, and later in the season we played three games in nine days.

“But we got it done.

“The bigger picture means you’re a world champion.”

The idea of playing in Magic Round also has the backing of Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.

“I like innovation and anything that comes out of left field,” he said on Tuesday.

“I’m very impressed Nathan Cleary has thought of this.

“If it can happen, it will happen.

“There’s a bit of logistical work to be done, and a bit of planning to do, but we’ll investigate it.”

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