WARRINGTON Wolves’ victory over Brisbane Broncos has given the World Club Series a shot in the arm.

A number of NRL clubs refused to take part in this year’s event, which comes at the start of World Cup year and follows six successive victories by Australian sides since the expanded concept was introduced in 2015.

Therefore this year’s event has been reduced to two matches, with the two champions Wigan Warriors and Cronulla Sharks meeting in the World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium this afternoon.

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood, speaking exclusively to Warrington Guardian, welcomed the boost to the game and shared the joy of the Wolves players in the changing rooms after the 27-18 success on Saturday night.

“It was a terrific win, very well deserved and nothing flukey about it,” he said.

“The Warrington side played very well indeed. It’s important for British rugby league.

“I know Brisbane came over ready to play, ready to win, and it gives everybody a lift to the start of the season.”

As the dust settles, excuses for the loss are likely to rear Down Under but it was a Broncos side littered with internationals and missing fewer names than Wolves had on the sidelines.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that wasn’t a well deserved win, because it would be an injustice to the lads who played in primrose and blue,” said Wood.

“It was a great event, a good vocal crowd and everyone was happy in the dressing room “The first half was significant in particular, with all their key points.

“Warrington came up with the tries and got so far in front. It’s a bit like cup football, you’ve got to get in front and when you do you’ve got to stay there.

“Everybody kind of knew that probably in the second half Brisbane were going to come back and ask some questions – and they did. But 18 points is a long way back in the second half.

“Any British victory in this competition is to be welcomed. If we are to develop the competition as we want to do, it’s important that we’re competitive.

“Certainly the NRL will take more notice if they came over here and lose occasionally. I think it bodes well for the future of this concept.”

The game’s chiefs are planning to explore the future of the World Club Series in May when England visit Australia to face Samoa in Sydney.

Wolves are fully behind the concept and it was their second appearance, having narrowly lost 18-12 to St George Illawarra Dragons at The Halliwell Jones Stadium two years ago.

Prior to 2015, and since 1997, there was no series, just the one battle between the champion clubs from each hemisphere for the right to be crowned best club side in the world.

Wolves, having not yet won a Super League Grand Final, continue to pursue that opportunity.