Wigan to host Sydney Roosters in 2019 World Club Challenge

Super League champions Wigan will host NRL winners Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge on Sunday February 17 (7pm).

It will be the fourth time the World Club Challenge has been held at the DW Stadium, and the Roosters will aim to equal Wigan’s record of four victories in the game.

Wigan chairman, Ian Lenegan, said: “The World Club Challenge is a special competition for the Wigan Club and with a game against Sydney Roosters we have two of Rugby League’s most iconic institutions facing one another. Seeing the cherry-and-white of Wigan up against the tricolour of the Roosters in front of a packed stadium on a Sunday will be a great spectacle. With the calibre of players on show from both teams, it should be a great advert for our sport.

“We’re delighted to be hosting the game in England and we’re looking forward to welcoming Chairman Nick Politis AM, Head Coach Trent Robinson and the whole Sydney Roosters team and support staff to what should be a sold-out DW Stadium in February 2019.”

Wigan last won it in 2017, beating Cronulla, while the Roosters won the very first World Club Challenge back in 1976.

The 2019 edition will be the 27th contest.

The game will take on an added significance for incoming Warriors Head Coach, Adrian Lam, who will be leaving his position in the backroom staff at the Roosters to take up his role with Wigan in 2019.

He said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be the coach of our great Wigan club for the 2019 season. I have had some great memories in the cherry-and-white that I will forever hold close to my heart.

“Another great opportunity presents itself with the World Club Challenge in February and our squad will work hard to prepare well through pre-season to deliver a performance that will make our fans proud.”