By BILLY GRIMSHAW
NRL premiers Cronulla Sharks have named a 20 man squad containing 13 of their Grand Final winning heroes to face Wigan for the right to be crowned world champions. The annual contest, pitting Super League’s grand ginal victors against their Australian counterparts, will take place on Sunday February 19 at the DW Stadium in Wigan, the day after Warrington Wolves host Brisbane Broncos in the other World Club Series encounter.
The Sharks haven’t competed in the World Club Challenge  since 1997 and are taking the chance to pick up the prize and title seriously. The Australians have an imperious record in the competition since it was rebranded as a series, with no British team claiming a victory. Last season’s games were all won by wide margins by NRL sides, with North Queensland embarrassing Leeds 38-4 on their own turf in the World Club Challenge match.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane will be hoping there is no repeat of such a scoreline and has made no secret his desire to claim the title of the best club side in the world for the Warriors. Those who have promoted and supported the concept will be hoping for a tight and entertaining clash to add prestige to the fledgling series.
Sharks World Club Challenge Squad
Jack Bird
Jesse Raimen
Gerard Beale
Ricky Leutele
Kurt Capewell
James Maloney
Chad Townsend
Paul Gallen
Wade Graham
Luke Lewis
Andrew Fifita
Matt Prior
Chris Heighington
Jeremy Latimore
Jayson Bukuya
Daniel Mortimer
Fa’amanu Brown
Jayden Brailey
Joseph Paulo
Sam Tagataese
