St Helens’ World Club Challenge offer in Australia will be broadcast on Channel 4

ST HELENS’ attempt to become the best in the world will be free for the nation after a deal is struck with Channel 4.

The four-time Super League champions will travel to Australia on Saturday 18 February to take on NRL Premier Penrith in the World Club Challenge.

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But that will now be on terrestrial television after Channel 4 took over the rights.

The Saints’ pursuit of glory begins at 7am, meaning the channel will show two rugby league games that day, followed by the Super League clash between Hull KR and Wigan in the afternoon.

A deal has finally been agreed to stage the World Club Challenge, with the Saints making a league of themselves from Wigan and Leeds by traveling to Australia.

Paul Wellens’ side will also play a warm-up game against the St. George-Illawarra Dragons on Saturday, February 11th.

In 2023, the World Club Challenge will be held for the first time since 2020 due to Covid-19.

However, Penrith was unwilling to travel to the UK, meaning the Saints either have to go Down Under and miss the start of the Super League season or not have the game at all.

Channel 4 is believed to have secured the rights as part of its deal, which will see 10 prime games aired on free-to-air TV.

The two-year deal expires next year, but ratings this season, as well as those for the Rugby League World Cup, have shown Super League bosses are looking to build on that, with as many, if not more, games scheduled for terrestrial matches when the next broadcast deal starts in 2024.