World Club Challenge 2024: NRL champions Penrith meet English football giants Manchester City

They’re the dominant forces in their respective worlds, and Penrith have found some common ground in addition to winning bucketloads of trophies and titles.

Six titles in three years.

That’s what was on show when three-time NRL premiers Penrith were welcomed by three-time EPL champions Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Just hours after touching down in the UK for next week’s World Club Challenge, the Panthers’ entire travelling party were in attendance for the Blues’ frustrating 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The three-time EPL title holders tossed out the welcome mat for their rugby league counterparts, with star winger Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny introduced to 50,000-plus crowd before the game.

Penrith Panthers duo Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards.

Panthers players get ready for the big game. Pic: Instagram

Co-captain Isaah Yeo and fullback Dylan Edwards were then interviewed on-field at halftime.

“It was really good, a new experience for me,” young playmaker Jack Cole told this masthead.

“I’ve never been to a soccer game. It was pretty cool, a new atmosphere. Pretty crazy seeing a few of them boys in real life.

“I think a few of the boys love Man City because of (Erling) Haaland, he was a big influence on the boys here.”

Cole, who is being strongly considered to wear the No.6 jumper for the injured Jarome Luai, is part of a 23-man squad to fly over for the match against Wigan next Saturday night (next Sunday morning AEDT).

“It should be good. Obviously Penrith hasn’t won a (World) Club Challenge, ever. So it’d be a good challenge. Looking forward to hopefully getting a run,” Cole said.

Originally published as World Club Challenge 2024: NRL champions Penrith meet English football giants Manchester City