Commentator Proposes Axing Penrith Panthers from 2025 Magic Round
- The World Club Challenge for 2025 is at risk if Wigan wins the Super League final, as they may not participate due to scheduling conflicts.
- Penrith Panthers have also stated they will not travel to England for the match because of their own commitments in Las Vegas.
- Commentator Andrew Voss suggests that Penrith should be given a bye during Magic Round to resolve the scheduling issue.
In October 2024, the upcoming World Club Challenge for 2025 is in jeopardy, particularly if Wigan secures victory in the Super League final. Reports indicate that Wigan may not be able to participate in the Challenge due to a scheduling conflict with an event in Las Vegas. This situation raises concerns about the viability of the match, which is traditionally a showcase of rugby league talent between the NRL and Super League champions. The Penrith Panthers, having recently won the NRL grand final, have also expressed their unwillingness to travel to England for the World Club Challenge. Their decision is influenced by their own commitments, as they are scheduled to play their season opener in Las Vegas around the same time. This dual scheduling conflict complicates the logistics of the World Club Challenge and diminishes its appeal. In light of these challenges, commentator Andrew Voss has proposed a potential solution. He suggests that the NRL could negotiate with the UK Super League to grant the Panthers a bye during the Magic Round, allowing them to avoid the travel conflict while still participating in the league. This proposal highlights the ongoing dialogue about the importance of the World Club Challenge and the need for cooperation between the NRL and Super League to ensure the event's success. The situation underscores the complexities of international rugby league scheduling and the impact of global events on traditional competitions.