Wigan and Hull to play for Kenny Sterling Shield in Wollongong

Wigan Warriors and Hull FC will play homage to club legends Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling by competing for the Kenny Sterling Shield in Wollongong this February.

The two teams will create history when they go head to head at WIN Stadium in the first ever Super League fixture to be played outside of Europe, with the winner taking two Super League points and the Kenny Sterling Shield named after Wigan legend Brett Kenny and Hull legend Peter Sterling.

The shield has been hand carved by a local indigenous artist, Noel Butler, uncle of former NRL star Preston Campbell and it will include an adaption of an historic image from the 1985 Challenge Cup Final featuring Kenny and Sterling as well as animal carvings significant to the local indigenous community.

Wigan Warriors executive director, Kris Radlinski, said: “Wigan and Hull had had many great games over the years and none more so than the 1985 Challenge Cup final, widely regarded as the greatest cup final in living memory.

“Both Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling had huge impacts on the Wigan and Hull clubs so it is fitting that we honour them by playing off for the Kenny Sterling Shield in their home State of New South Wales.”

Hull FC executive director, James Clark, said: “This is a fantastic way to celebrate our historic fixture in Wollongong as two of the biggest Super League go head-to-head in recognition of a couple of their all-time greats.

“Peter is amongst an elite group of players to reside in our club’s Hall of Fame and is widely regarded as one of the great ever players to wear the Black and White jersey, whilst Brett is equally prominent in Wigan Rugby League folklore.”