SAINTS could be set to travel Down Under for a World Club Challenge match against NRL champions Penrith Panthers in 2023.

It would be the first World Club Challenge fixture since 2020 when Saints hosted Sydney Roosters at the Totally Wicked Stadium, with the Covid pandemic seeing the annual contest axed for the past two years.

If the game gets the green light it will likely take place in Sydney next February, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

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It is understood Penrith were reluctant to travel to England considering the amount of squad members the club has taking part in the current Rugby League World Cup.

However, reports say Saints coach Paul Wellens and Panthers counterpart Ivan Cleary are keen to see the fixture between the two champions from each hemisphere go ahead.

“It would have been impossible for us to go over there, but talk of them coming over here is excellent,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“We’ve only got word today that our second trial, instead of being against another NRL side, the NRL are investigating how they can bring St Helens to Sydney.

“The plan will be to play the game a week before the start of the NRL competition.

“We’d love for it to happen. It will be great for the area, it’s something different.

“It will also give some of our younger boys the chance to have a run against a quality side.”

Saints won a fourth Super League title in a row with a 24-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford last month.

Meanwhile, Penrith have won the last two NRL titles.

The last time a World Club Challenge clash was held in Australia was in 2018 when Melbourne Storm beat Leeds 38-4.

Saints have won two World Club Challenges, both victories coming against Brisbane in 2001 and 2007, and have played in five others.

Penrith have previously made two World Club Challenge appearances, in 1991 and 2004, losing on both occasions to Wigan and Bradford respectively.