Super League champions St Helens have sealed a World Club Challenge upset over Penrith, beating the reigning NRL premiers 13-12 in golden point.
In front of 13, 873 fans who had to brave an electrical storm at BlueBet Stadium, St Helens became the first British side to win the competition on Australian soil since Wigan defeated Brisbane in 1994.
Halfback Lewis Dodd kicked the winning field goal to seal victory for the visitors.
Spearheaded by mercurial fullback Jack Welsby and veteran hooker James Roby, the Saints became just the third team to beat Ivan Cleary’s men at BlueBet Stadium since the start of 2020.
They looked to be heading for victory inside 80 minutes until Brian To’o scored with 90 seconds left.
Nathan Cleary kicked the conversion to tie the game up but a knock-on from Stephen Crichton, who was standing in at fullback for Dylan Edwards, allowed Saints to strike through Dodd in extra time.
“I remember watching Wigan beating that great Brisbane team, a victory like that has never happened since – this is a seismic result,” said St Helens coach Paul Wellens.
“It’s a monumental victory for us as a club and for the British game.
“We came over here with a determination of getting a result.
“We knew we’d have to scrap to keep them out, but this group keeps turning up for each other.”
The Saints were more than a match for the Panthers.
They hit the lead inside 15 minutes with Welsby and Konrad Hurrell crossing.
Penrith needed a circuit-breaker and it came in the shape of a trademark Cleary bomb, with Will Hopoate knocking on a floating kick.
Things got worse for the tourists when they lost winger and first-choice goalkicker Tommy Makinson to a HIA but they were able to repel a clunky Penrith attack to go in 10-0 up at halftime.
The resumption of play was delayed by 10 minutes due to the lightning but when the second half kicked off Saints were able to add a further two points through a Mark Percival penalty.
“St Helens deserved it and handled the conditions better,” said Ivan Cleary.
“They took their chances well, I was happy with how we hung in but we stuck at it.
“I don’t think you can take anything away from St Helens.
“It didn’t take us by surprise, we totally respected what they were going to bring – they’re a winning footy team.”
The Panthers needed a lifeline and it came in the shape of a smart chip kick from Cleary in the 50th minute.
Welsby flapped at the ball as it went into the St Helens in-goal and Izack Tago scored, with Cleary adding the conversion.
To’o then barged his way over at the death to send the game to golden point.
But it was St Helens’ night with Dodd kicking the crucial field goal to send a travelling legion of barmy British fans into a frenzy.
© AAP 2023
