Dance admits Gildart

Rhys to make a return

could have nicked a result but our bad start gave us too much to do.”

The Roosters, helmed by former Catalan Dragons coach Trent Robinson, are big backers of the World Club Challenge concept. But some clubs are reluctant to travel for the event and Robinson says it is time to make it compulsory.

“We have played it for 20 years and every October there is a discussion about are we going to do it and where,” he said. “There is no perfect time to play it but I would implore someone to sort it out and get it fixed for the next 20 years.

“Let’s not have this discussion at the end of every year. It is one of the best games to play and we are really proud we have won along with Wigan.”

Sunday’s game at the DW Stadium was watched by a crowd of 21,331 and, despite Wigan’s defeat, interim coach Adrian Lam hailed the event’s significance.

“I thought it was a massive highlight for rugby league around the world, a chock-a-block stadium in the heartland of rugby league in the UK, and the atmosphere was amazing,” he said.

“Every one of the Roosters players I talked to said they had never experienced anything like this and anyone watching from the outside would have loved it. It’s something we need to continue.” it four times