AusLeisure

English rugby league heavyweights Wigan Warriors and Hull FC will pay homage to two of the codes greatest ever players when they face-off for the Kenny Sterling Shield in Wollongong on 10th February 2018.

The two teams will create history when they go head to head at WIN Stadium in the first ever Super League fixture to be played outside of Europe.

The winner will take home two Super League points and the Kenny Sterling Shield named after Wigan legend Brett Kenny and Hull legend Peter Sterling.

Wigan Warriors Executive Director, Kris Radlinski commented “Wigan and Hull have had many great games over the years and none more so than the 1985 Challenge Cup Final, 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.

“With Brett having been diagnosed with cancer last year and his stepson having suffered a spinal injury we were keen to raise some funds for the Kenny family. 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.”

Kenny spent one season with Wigan Rugby League Club scoring 19 tries in 25 appearances. A four-time Australian premiership winner with Parramatta, the superstar back was named Man of the Match in the 1985 Challenge Cup Final as Wigan beat Hull at Wembley.

Parramatta, NSW and Australian teammate, Sterling earned legendary status for Hull during two spells with the Yorkshire club. He featured 36 times for Hull and is remembered as one of the greatest ever players to pull on the jersey.

Wigan have also recognised the significance of the Illawarra Steelers to local league fans and will warm up in a Steelers inspired jersey prior to the Super League fixture at WIN Stadium. Former Wigan and Steelers player Steve Hampson will join Wigan great Gary Connolly on the team’s Tour of NSW as ambassadors.

The Super League teams will also face NRL opposition on Saturday 17th February when Wigan face South Sydney Rabbitohs and Hull take on St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium.

This momentous Super League fixture was secured exclusively for Wollongong by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with Wigan RLFC and Destination Wollongong.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall commented “Wollongong is one of the nation’s rugby league heartlands and the NSW Government is delighted to bring this historic Super League fixture to regional NSW and welcomes the news that two greats of the game in Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling will be acknowledged for their significant contribution to rugby league in both England and Australia.

“This historic Super League fixture will not only excite the local community but will bring great benefit to the region’s visitor economy, attracting rugby league fans to Wollongong for what’s sure to be a thrilling game. I have no doubt visitors from across Australia and our State will get right behind the match in Wollongong and support the fundraising efforts for Brett Kenny.”

Destination Wollongong General Manager, Mark Sleigh concluded “from the moment Wigan made a commitment to the tour, they were adamant that this was more than just a game of rugby league.

“They were bringing their club to leave a cherry and white footprint on NSW, and their commitment to junior league and raising money for one of the greats of rugby league has certainly done that."

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