Wigan Warriors started their Super League defence and warmed up for this World Club Challenge showdown with victory against a battling 12-man Castleford Tigers last week.

All of Wigan's tries came after Tigers were down a man.

Patrick Mago, Bevan French, Liam Marshall and Kruise Leeming all got among the points.

Wigan Warriors make just once change from their opening Super League win of the season, with Luke Thompson ruled out after failing a head injury assessment.

Mike Cooper comes into the starting line-up in Thompson's absence, while highly-rated 20-year-old prospect Harvie Hill slots in on the bench.

Wigan Warriors: Field; Miski, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Cooper, O’Neill, Byrne, Isa, Farrell, Ellis, Cooper.

Interchanges: Mago, Leeming, Dupree, Hill.

Penrith have named a strong side as they look for first World Club Challenge title, with 12 of the Grand Final-winning side of 2023 facing Wigan tonight.

Nathan Cleary is partnered in the halves by inexperienced 20-year-old stand-off Jack Cole.

Penrith Panthers: Edwards; Turuva, Tago, May, To’o; Cole, Cleary; Leota, Kenny, Fisher-Harris, Garner, Martin, Yeo.

Interchanges: Peachey, Smith, Henry, Eisenhuth, Schneider, Geyer, Laurie, Luke.

Image source, Getty Images

It took the biggest comeback in National Rugby League history for Penrith Panthers to overcome the Brisbane Broncos to win the 2023 Grand Final in October.

They were down by 16 points with 18 minutes remaining, but sensationally rallied to clinch a 26-24 win.

Nathan Cleary put on a masterful late display, and came up with the title-winning points in the final minutes.

It was the first time in the NRL era - and first time since the Parramatta Eels in 1983 - that a side has won three straight premierships.

Wigan Warriors won a gruelling and low scoring Super League Grand Final against French club Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford just four months ago.

It was a sixth Super League title win and 23rd English crown overall.

It also ended somewhat of a drought for the Cherry and Whites, having last boasted of being the best in the land in 2018.

And if Wigan can win tonight, then their boss Matt Peet will have won every major prize the Warriors can win - having guided them to Challenge Cup glory, collected a League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final silverware since taking the helm in 2022.

BBC Two

Tonight's live text commentary will be running alongside BBC Two's TV coverage and an extensive radio offering.

You can tune in on TV, watch the match on BBC iPlayer or head to the top of this page and hit the play icon.

You also have a choice of radio commentaries, with the match on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and BBC Radio Manchester. Again they are all available at the top of this page.

Good evening and welcome.

Tonight, Super League champions Wigan Warriors take on three-time defending National Rugby League winners Penrith Panthers for global honours.

It's World Club Challenge time!

Kick-off is less than 30 minutes away.

At the heart of rugby league in England's north west, a champion team and its legion of fans stands waiting.

Image source, Getty Images

Lurking, an Australian rugby league beast like no other.

Image source, Getty Images