Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed one-game rookie Jack Cole will take Jarome Luai’s No.6 jersey of their World Club Challenge conflict towards Wigan Warriors.
Luai, who signed a contract to affix the Tigers in 2025 within the low season, has been battling a shoulder damage that required surgical procedure in October.
Cole, 20, is seen because the inheritor to Luai’s throne at five-eighth and can get his first likelihood to showcase his playmaking talents in entrance of a sold-out crowd at DW Stadium.
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“Jack Cole is going to play, he’s a young player who has played one NRL game a couple of years ago late in the year,” coach Ivan Cleary mentioned on Wednesday.
“He’s shown plenty of promise and has had a great pre-season. He gets his opportunity on just about the biggest stage.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes, I’m sure he’ll do well.”
Cole gained the spot over low season recruits Brad Schneider and Daine Laurie, who each have the power to play at five-eighth.
The younger gun has just one NRL recreation beneath his belt, having made his debut on the finish of the 2022 season, however halves companion Nathan Cleary was excited by his expertise.
“His willingness to learn [is impressive]. He’s come in this pre-season and he’s been flying. I’m looking forward to the prospect he is,” Cleary mentioned to the SMH.
“We don’t want to rush him too much. There’s a lot of good signs there.
“I know it’s a cliche, but he’s just a footy player. He knows the game. He’s fast and strong. He’s only going to get better.”
Meanwhile, it’s emerged skilled backrower Scott Sorensen is battling a leg damage, whereas rising star Liam Henry can also be struggling because of sickness.
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However, each gamers are anticipated to take the sphere, however Wigan’s Luke Thompson is ready to take a seat out after struggling a head knock 20 minutes into the Super League season.
Thompson, who made the transfer from the Bulldogs within the low season, failed his head damage evaluation and is going through a compulsory stand-down interval.
“I thought the way he started the game, Luke, and the way he’d been in pre-season, he was looking excellent,” Wigan coach Matty Peet mentioned.
“It’s a blow but his health has to come first. He’s taken a whack on the head and I think the sport and other sports are getting used to these sorts of things and it’s the right thing for the players.”
WHERE TO WATCH THE WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE
The World Club Challenge can be proven reside on Fox League and Kayo.
WHAT TIME IS THE GAME ON?
The conflict between Wigan and Penrith will kick-off at 8:00pm native time on Saturday February 14, which means the sport can be aired at 7:00am AEST on Sunday February 25 in Australia.
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WIGAN AND PENRITH FEATURED IN THE WCC?
Wigan have been within the World Club Challenge eight occasions and gained the title in 1987, 1991, 1994 and 2017.
The Panthers have by no means gained a World Club Challenge and have beforehand misplaced to Wigan in 1991.
They additionally went right down to the Bradford Bulls in 2004 and St Helens in 2023.
WHERE WILL THE GAME BE PLAYED?
The recreation can be performed in entrance of a sold-out DW Stadium crowd in Wigan.
THE ODDS
Panthers: $1.45
Wigan $2.70
TEAMS
To come.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
