Wigan may need to draw on spirit of ‘94

FORMER Great Britain forward Phil Clarke believes a close contest between his two former teams is crucial for the future of the World Club Challenge.

Sydney Roosters are taking Sunday’s game against Wigan seriously as they seek a fourth world title, but not all NRL teams are as enthusiastic and the match only took place in 2018 because Leeds were prepared to make the trip to Melbourne.

“It needs the Super League sides to play at their very best to be competitive,” Clarke said. “We can’t afford a 40 points to two result at the end of this. We need the game to be close and competitive to make sure the other NRL sides still buy into the concept.”

The Roosters are favourites with the bookmakers, but Wigan made the most of home advantage two years ago when they beat Cronulla.

Clarke, who was in the Wigan team that famously won in Brisbane 25 years ago, says the Super League champions may need to draw on the spirit of ‘94 to get past Trent Robinson’s men.

“If all 17 Wigan players have their best ever game and they can all do it at the same time, then they have a chance,” said Clarke, who appeared in three World Club Challenge games.

“That happened for Wigan in 1994. On paper, they shouldn’t have been able to beat the Broncos in Brisbane. I think this is a similar situation.”