Ref under fire as Penrith controversially denied world title by Wigan in World Club Challenge

Penrith have been denied a maiden World Club Challenge title, with the powerhouse NRL side beaten by Super League champions Wigan in England.

A controversial second-half try for Warriors centre Jake Wardle and a gritty defensive display sealed the hosts a record-equalling fifth title in a 16-12 win, while again stopping the Panthers from completing their trophy cabinet.

The Super League champions join the Sydney Roosters in winning five world titles.

It was the second straight year Penrith have failed to add the world title to their NRL premiership, having lost a 13-12 heartbreaker to St Helens at home in 2023.

The Panthers will be asking plenty of questions about Wardle’s match-winning try at the sold-out DW Stadium, awarded despite the England international appearing to ground the ball well short of the line.

Wigan centre Jake Wardle was awarded a controversial try in the 53rd minute

A video review couldn’t overturn the on-field decision of a try, with replays of the apparent grounding obscured by the bodies of Penrith duo Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards as they made desperate tackles.

To make matters worse for Penrith, centre Taylan May touched down for what would have been a dramatic leveller with a scrambling effort on the final play of the match – but inconclusive evidence meant the on-field decision of no try stood.

Footy fans watching at home took to social media to complain about the referee. 

‘I’m NEVER going to complain about NRL refs again,’ wrote one fan.

‘Panthers robbed by terrible ref/video ref,’ replied another. 

‘Panthers robbed tonight the last wigan try was never a try, typical English refs getting the decisions wrong again,’ said a third.

It was far from the Panthers’ best performance, making six errors in 25 minutes after they went behind as their attack struggled to click.

The NRL champions took time to find their rhythm and struggled early to find the right option on final-tackle plays, held without a kick on four sets in the first 20 minutes as they failed to cash in on territorial domination.

It was the second straight year Penrith failed to add the world title to their NRL premiership

Wigan sealed a record-equalling fifth title with the thrilling 16-12 victory

Instead, it was former Parramatta talent and Wigan five-eighth Bevan French making the killer plays with some delightful passing.

He created the match’s first points with a double cut-out ball for winger Abbas Miski, while another pass helped former Gold Coast forward Kruise Leeming get over to give the hosts a 10-6 lead.

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary got his side on the board, scoring after his own kick couldn’t be handled by Miski, while No.1 Dylan Edwards gave them the lead on halftime with a darting run from close range that picked a hole in the Wigan defence.

Along with his last-gasp effort, May had the best chance to steal the win late with a sizzling line break, only for a brilliant cover tackle from Wigan No.1 Jai Field to drag him into touch.

Penrith finished without winger Sunia Turuva, who landed awkwardly on his knee after jumping to try and save a kick from going dead.