Super League's triumph gives World Cup hope to England

Wigan Warriors defeated NRL champions Cronulla Sharks 22-6 to lift the World Club Challenge on Sunday fewer than 24 hours after superb Warrington Wolves beat Brisbane Broncos 27-18.

Winning the series 2-0 was a massive fillip for Super League given it had lost 3-0 in each of the competition’s first two years.

However, Hetherington – a long-time advocate of expanding the world club game – feels it could also work wonders for the England team, too.

The national side have not won a major tournament since Great Britain’s 1972 World Cup triumph, but he was encouraged by some pertinent post-match comments from Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, the veteran New South Wales State of Origin captain and former Australia Test forward.

“Paul Gallen made a very telling statement up in the directors’ room after Sunday’s game,” explained Hetherington.

“He said he was brought up on an understanding that English teams would compete and challenge at the same level as them for 60 minutes, but then they’d always get them in that last 20.

“However, he added that they’d got a real shock here as Wigan didn’t tire and they just kept on coming so it ended up being the other way around.

“It’s a terrific boost for the England team hearing that.

“It’s particularly pleasing, too, that Warrington played a far better brand of rugby than Brisbane.

“They were much more adventurous and got their rewards with a pretty comprehensive victory.

“Wigan and Cronulla both played really good games, too, Cronulla producing a good brand; they threw it around and played rugby, making some mistakes admittedly, but Wigan’s defence was excellent.

“Yet there was also no question regarding the fitness levels of either the Warrington or Wigan players.

“They were worthy winners and it is a real confidence boost for all our sides – and England.”