Last time Wigan and Warrington met on American soil, they did not exactly make a good impression. Warriors boss Matt Peet hopes it will be different 36 years later.
The notorious Great American Challenge of June 1989 in Milwaukee ended in a dour 12-5 win for the Cherry and Whites, but was most remember for both sets of players using the occasion as a chance to settle a few old scores.
Peet is determined to ensure the reigning Betfred Super League champions and their rivals showcase the competition in the best light when they meet at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Saturday though.
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“We just want to do right by Wigan, but for Super League as well,” Peet told Sky Sports.
“We’ve worked with Warrington put a marker down for the game and there is so much to be proud of.
“This is one is a little bit special. It’s unique and no doubt both teams will be going at it and we won’t need to motivate the players.
“But there’s more to it than that and we want to play the game the right way and conduct ourselves the right way all week.”
The meeting between the Warriors and the Wolves opens this year’s four-match Las Vegas rugby league showcase, which features two NRL matches and England’s women facing world champions Australia as well.
The Round 3 encounter follows a start to the 2025 Super League season which saw Wigan host a record opening-night crowd in their 1-0 defeat to Leigh Leopards, and Warrington grab the headlines for renaming their stadium after hometown hero and world darts champion Luke Littler in their Round 2 win over Catalans Dragons.
Peet hailed the progress being made in growing the competition’s profile, even with St Helens’ 82-0 win over Salford Red Devils in Round 1 taking some of the shine off it.
“I think the bar has been raised across Super League on the field and off,” Peet said.
“Clubs are raising standards and I think every game has been good to watch for one reason or another, bar one.”
