Wigan beat Cronulla

Super League’s maiden World Club Series triumph has strengthened the Rugby Football League’s hand as they step up negotiations for the 2018 event, according to chief executive Nigel Wood. The series, expanded in 2015 from a one-off World Club Challenge into a six-team tournament, was scaled back this year after a lack of interest from NRL clubs and only took place at all because of the support of England and Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.