The Penrith Panthers have decided to abandon the 2025 World Club Challenge, and it’s safe to say that not everyone is happy about it. Star player Nathan Cleary expressed his disappointment, saying it would’ve been a “dream come true” to play in the tournament ¹. However, the Panthers’ management has cited concerns about player burnout and welfare as the main reason for their decision.
The club’s CEO, Brian Fletcher, explained that fitting the World Club Challenge into their schedule would be “impractical” and that player welfare is the biggest problem ². With several Panthers players already committed to international duties during the off-season, and the club set to kick off their 2025 NRL season in Las Vegas, it seems like the writing was on the wall. The Panthers would have had to play either Wigan or Hull KR in mid-February, which is deemed too early given their post-season Pacific Championships commitments.
It’s understandable that the Panthers would prioritize their players’ well-being, especially considering the grueling NRL season ahead. However, it’s still a shame for fans who were looking forward to seeing the Panthers compete on the global stage. As Cleary’s comments show, the players were excited about the opportunity, and it would’ve been a great experience for them ¹. Unfortunately, it seems like the logistics just didn’t work out this time around.
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