Why Melbourne should take Penrith’s spot in the World Club Challenge after NRL premiers’ snub
If Penrith continues its outright refusal to play in the World Club Challenge, there is one simple solution – strip the NRL premiers of the honour and let Melbourne take their place. The Panthers disrespected the concept by boycotting the game before their English opposition was even decided.
Did Penrith think to check with Super League grand finalists – Wigan and Hull KR – before pulling the plug? Put in a phone call to get their take? You know, just out of courtesy and respect? Apparently not. At Penrith, WCC translates to Won’t Compete Clause.
Wigan won the Super League decider but was blindsided by the Panthers’ decision to lay down their arms. Warriors CEO Kris Radlinksi labelled it “a real shock and surprise” while promising to “do whatever it takes” to make sure the match goes ahead. But it appears he is pushing excrement uphill. There has been no sign of budging at Penrith, with CEO Brian Fletcher adamant the game can’t be played anywhere at any time.
That’s despite superstar halfback Nathan Cleary pushing for the fixture to be slotted into the NRL’s Magic Round – a proposal ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is enthusiastically behind. The Panthers do have a genuine gripe about player welfare, pointing to a packed match schedule which includes the season opener in Las Vegas.
Playing the WCC in its traditional mid-February time slot presents problems and there would have to be some give and take on both sides. But those logistical challenges don’t give Penrith the unilateral right to shut the whole show down with zero consultation or little consideration for all parties.
