Wigan and Hull to play for Kenny Sterling Trophy in historic Super League match
THEY made their names together at Parramatta but it is a little known rivalry that is set to see Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling immortalised in a trophy in Australia’s historic Super League match.
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THEY are famous for forming one of the most potent halves combinations in rugby league history – but it is a little known rivalry that is set to see Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling immortalised in a trophy.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal English club’s the Wigan Warriors and Hull FC will honour the two legendary Parramatta Eels next month when they play a history making Super League match at WIN Stadium on February 10.
In the first ever Super League match to be played outside of Europe, the Super League giants will clash for the Kenny Sterling shield.
And it has nothing to do with what the dynamic duo accomplished together.
While famous for combining to make Parramatta the greatest team of the 80s, Kenny and Sterling are remembered as rivals in England after the former teammates went head to head in a famous Challenge Cup.
In a game regarded as the greatest Challenge Cup final in history, Kenny led Wigan to a remarkable victory over Sterling’s Hull FC in a match that both saw them become part of English rugby league legend.
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“It was a terrific game,’’ Kenny said.
“And a great part of my life. I really enjoyed my team in England and I would have liked to had more time there if anything. It is a great place and a great competition.
“I have some great memories of my time over there and I am extremely honoured that they have included me in such a big trophy.’’
Designed by indigenous artist Noel Butler, the shield depicts a famous image of Kenny and Sterling from the 1985 Challenge Cup Final.
“Wigan and Hull have had many great games over the years and none more so than the 1985 Challenge Cup Final,’’ said Wigan boss Kris Radlinski.
“It is widely regarded as the greatest cup final in living memory.
“Both Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling had huge impacts on the Wigan and Hull clubs so it is fitting that we honour them by playing off for the Kenny Sterling Shield in their home State of New South Wales.’’
Kenny has been locked in his greatest fight after he was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer.
The league legend, 56, is undergoing chemotherapy and is determined to win the battle.
Wigan will host a lunch for Kenny in a bid to help fund his fight before the historic match.
“With Brett having been diagnosed with cancer last year we are also keen to raise some funds for the Kenny family,’’ Radlinski said.
“Along with Destination Wollongong and Parramatta Leagues Club we will also host a lunch the day before our game with all proceeds going to Brett and his family.”
Sterling made 36 appearance for Hull during his Super League stint.
“Peter is amongst an elite group of players to reside in our club’s Hall of Fame and is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever players to wear the black and white jersey,’’ said Hull FC boss James Clark.
“And Brett is equally prominent in Wigan Rugby League folklore.”
The Super League teams will also take on the NRL with Wigan to play South Sydney Rabbitohs and Hull to take on St George Illawarra Dragons in an ANZ Stadium double header on February 17.
Originally published as Wigan and Hull to play for Kenny Sterling Trophy in historic Super League match
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