WIGAN PEERLESS
He helped them rule the world in the 80s and 90s and now Gregory tips them to do it again
ONE memory stands out for Andy Gregory when he helped Wigan rule the world.
It’s 34 years ago that the legendary Great Britain scrumhalf led the Cherry and Whites out at Anfield.
They went on to destroy Australian premiers Penrith 21-4 in the 1991 World Club Challenge, underlining their growing presence as the sport’s greatest team.
But Gregory, now 62, recalled: “I was living i n Widnes then and everyone said I wouldn’t touch the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign as I’m an out and out Man United fan.
“Ellery (Hanley) didn’t play that night so I was captain. The next day everyone asked why I didn’t touch it. But I told them I was five foot four – I just couldn’t reach!”
As diminutive as he is, Gregory was a giant of the game and a central part of Wigan’s glorious golden era.
He featured when defeating Manly four years earlier in arguably the club’s most famous night and went on to win five Challenge Cups and four league titles.
But Gregory reckons the current Wigan side, who take on Penrith for the World Club Challenge again at a sold-out DW Stadium tonight, are destined for their own greatness.
“That team we had was outstanding,” he recalled.
“For us, I don’t think anything will surpass the first one when we beat Manly. That was special.
“But Anfield was brilliant and I’m honoured to say I played there. To get a win was even better.
“We were a great side but this Wigan team that’s turning out on Saturday is as well. And it will get better and better. Wigan will carry on and dominate like we did in the ‘80s. But Penrith have fetched a top team full of world-class players. It should be a classic.”
Back in ‘91, Penrith arrived just a week after winning their Grand Final and spent most of the buildup to the Anfield clash on the lash.
Things are different today with the current Panthers side desperate to triumph at the fourth attempt especially having missed out against St Helens 12 months ago.
In Kangaroos No.7 Nathan Cleary, they have arguably the world’s greatest player.
As a former scrum-half himself, Gregory can fully appreciate his talents.
“Cleary is world-class,” he said. “He can run a game, has a great footballing brain, good hands and that kicking game.
“If Wigan are going to win it they have to stop him. It isn’t that easy as he’s a class player.
“People wanted to try and stop me. But sometimes it didn’t happen because I had great players around me and we worked together.
“Being a Wigan lad, I know what it means to Wigan as a town to win this trophy.
“And we have an incentive. Who holds the World Club Challenge at the moment…?
“Wigan taking would be great!”