On this day in 2017: Wigan crowned world champions after beating Cronulla

On this day in 2017, Wigan beat Cronulla Sharks 22-6 in the World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium.

Joe Burgess scored a hat-trick of tries to inspire his hometown club to win a fourth World Club Challenge. It was the first match he had played since returning to the Warriors following a season in the NRL.

Shaun Wane’s Warriors were 10-0 up at the break thanks to a first half double from England international Burgess.

Oliver Gildart gave Wigan a 16-0 lead shortly after the second half restart before Jesse Ramien scored Cronulla’s only try on the hour mark.

An attendance of 21,011 saw Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin lift the World Club Challenge trophy after the full-time hooter.

Wigan: Escare; Tierney, Gelling, Gildart, Burgess; Williams, Leuluai; Nuuausala, Powell, Flower, Bateman, Farrell, O’Loughlin. Subs: Tomkins, Clubb, Tautai, Sutton.

Tries: Burgess (3), Gildart Goals: Escare 2, Powell

Cronulla: Beale; Ramien, Bird, Leutele, Capewell; Maloney, Townsend; Fifita, Brailey, Prior, Lewis, Graham, Gallen. Subs: Brown, Heighington, Bukuya, Tagataese.

Tries: Ramien Goals: Maloney

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