The three-time reigning champions are desperate to win their first World Club Challenge.

Nathan Cleary has vowed there will be no repeat of the Penrith Panthers‘ ‘hangover’ that marred the start of their 2023 season, with the three-time reigning premiers set to be boosted by the return of Jarome Luai in the World Club Challenge. The Panthers suffered a surprise 13-12 loss at home to Super League champions St Helens in the World Club Challenge last year, which then flowed into the NRL season.

Ivan Cleary’s side lost two of their first three NRL games and found themselves in an uncharacteristic slump while chasing a third consecutive title. They eventually righted the ship and went on to claim premiership glory once again, and Nathan Cleary is adamant there will be no repeat hangover to start 2024.

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“It kind of was a bit of a hangover last year,” Cleary told AAP ahead of this year’s World Club Challenge at DW Stadium in Wigan on February 25. “Just seeing how much it meant to St Helens and losing that game did hurt. We want to try to correct that this year. Obviously, over there will be a greater challenge in front of their home fans.”

Penrith have won three consecutive premierships and three minor premierships in a four-year period of absolute dominance. But the current side haven’t managed to win the World Club Challenge during that time.

No Penrith side of yesteryear has won the world title either, with premiership-winning teams of 1991 and 2003 both losing to their British hosts as well. “That’s why it’s such a great opportunity for us. We as a club have never won it,” Cleary said.

Jarome Luai keen to play in World Club Challenge

The Panthers hopes’ could be boosted by the return of five-eighth Luai, who re-injured his shoulder in the grand final win over the Broncos. Luai reckons medical staff might not be able to stop him from lining up in the fixture if his shoulder feels up to it.

The five-eighth underwent off-season surgery after aggravating the injury in the grand final, after he dislocated the shoulder in a game against Parramatta late in the 2023 regular season. Luai, who will move to the Wests Tigers in 2025, has spent the majority of the pre-season getting his shoulder back to full strength away from his teammates.

Over the weekend he made it through an opposed session unscathed, and could earn valuable match practice in the World Club Challenge. If he doesn’t play in the fixture in Wigan he is firming to be ready for the opening round of the NRL season nonetheless.

“I’m telling everyone I’m a chance to play,” he told AAP. “I’m not too sure the physios agree with me on that but I guess I’ll have the last say.” If anyone knows me, (they know) I don’t want to miss too much footy, obviously I want to make sure the shoulder is 100 per cent. I’m definitely on my way.