After a three-year hiatus, the World Membership Problem returns as NRL premiers Penrith tackle Tremendous League giants St Helens.
The England aspect, who’ve received 4 titles in a row, will make their eighth look in a showpiece occasion with Ivan Cleary’s aspect trying to win the membership’s first ever WCC trophy.
When is the World Membership Problem?
The Panthers welcome the Saints to Bluevet Stadium. Saturday, February 18th Kick-off is scheduled for six:00 PM (AEDT).
extra: NRL 2023 – Trial schedule, outcomes and tips on how to watch the complete preseason in Australia
The house aspect are hoping for a 3rd run of luck after dropping to Wigan and Bradford prior to now.
The Saints have had two scalps, beating Brisbane in 2001 after which once more six years later.
They have been battling the NRL’s greatest gamers of late, however misplaced 20-12 to the Roosters within the last version of the match earlier than the covid pandemic sidelined the competition.
Tips on how to watch Penrith vs St Helens
Your entire 2023 preseason will air completely on Australia’s Fox League and Kayo.
In the meantime, for the primary time for British followers, the WCC might be broadcast reside and free on Channel 4, with common broadcaster Sky Sports activities additionally overlaying the match.
Nation Time Channel Australia 6pm AEDT Fox League / Kayo United Kingdom 7am GMT Channel 4 / Sky Sports activities
st helens preview
Matches had been usually hosted in England in the beginning of the NRL season, however as a result of participant involvement within the Rugby League World Cup and shortened turnarounds this was deemed impracticable.
As an alternative, the Saints will grow to be the primary group to journey to Australia for the match since Leeds in 2018. Nevertheless, this might be his second time in his NRL period that his WCC might be held in Sydney, following his 2014 Roosters victory over Wigan.
The journey to Down Below would be the first official recreation underneath new coach Paul Wellens after former coach Christian Wolff returned to Australia and assumed an assistant position with the Dolphins.
It is extremely troublesome for the native legend to say his first win whereas sitting within the sizzling seat regardless of bitter rivals Wigan being the one British group to ever win in Australia in the mean time. might be an order. They famously defeated the Broncos in 1994.
“Each ourselves and Penrith have loved unparalleled success over the previous couple of years and we’re having fun with the chance to go to Australia and check ourselves towards an undoubtedly nice group,” stated Wellens. rice subject.
“We’re clearly bold for additional success and this offers us an early alternative to just do that as a membership in 2023.
“We goal to signify ourselves, the town of St. Helens and the Tremendous League competitors in the absolute best method.”
Australia, the Saints are coming. 🇦🇺 @superleague ✈️ @NRL #COYS | | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/oFAv2FDxia
— St. Helens RFC (@Saints1890) January 31, 2023
Saints chairman Eamon McManus noticed the conflict as an ideal alternative to increase the membership’s legacy.
“The 2023 season is our membership’s a hundred and fiftieth anniversary. The one achievement in our historical past that we’ve not achieved is to grow to be World Membership Champions in Australia,” he stated.
“Many take into account this Penrith Panthers group to be certainly one of, if not the best group in NRL historical past. is included.
“The sport in Sydney might be one of many greatest challenges St Helens have ever confronted.
penrith panthers preview
Discussions about reviving the WCC dragged on for months earlier than it was lastly confirmed final 12 months.
“It would not have been attainable for us to go there, however the story of them coming right here is nice,” Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher stated on the time.
“We would like it to occur. It should additionally give us the possibility to play towards high-quality groups.”
extra: Penrith’s expertise drain worries however Liam Martin’s re-signing proves they’re heading in the right direction
Lots of the Panthers’ star gamers returned to coaching early to point out their significance to play in video games towards the likes of playmakers Nathan Cleary and Jarom Ruay.
Cleary, Luai, Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Liam Martin, Izack Tago, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo wouldn’t have been eligible to play in the event that they hadn’t missed every week off for well being and security causes.
These dictate {that a} minimal of 6 weeks of pre-season is required earlier than all gamers can compete in skilled competitors.