In the first half of this weekend’s World Club Challenge match, Penrith Panthers rookie Jack Cole will split time in the halves with NRL ace Nathan Cleary.
After an outstanding preseason, head coach Ivan Cleary announced to the media on Tuesday that the 20-year-old will play against the Wigan Warriors.
Cole, who was born in Orange, advanced through the Penrith pathway system and was a member of the premiership-winning Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams before being named to the team’s top 30 last year.
He made his only appearance in the top level to date in round 25 of the 2022 NRL against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Head coach Cleary announced, “Jack Cole
is going to play.”
Cole commented, “I’m having fun, it’s a new experience, and it’s pretty cool seeing a new part of the world.”
“It was awesome to train at Manchester City on Monday morning.
“It’s crazy that half of the 16 training fields are designated for goalkeepers, as we discussed in our pre-meeting.”
