Cleary hopes Penrith fourth time lucky for world title

The Panthers fell short against Wigan and Bradford in 1991 and 2004 respectively before suffering an agonising 13-12 golden-point defeat to St Helens at BlueBet Stadium in February last year.

Despite winning three successive NRL premierships, Cleary knows an asterisk will remain beside his side's achievements until they have ascended to the global crown.

"It's the one thing we haven't been able to do - only 12 teams have managed to win this thing and we've had three goes and missed out on it," Cleary said on Tuesday.

"You look through the list of winners and only the big clubs have done it, so for us to be on that list would be big.

"I've watched these games for many years from growing up as a kid, and it's a big game - you don't play for a world championship every day.

"Both teams will show what it means on the night."

Penrith and Wigan have each been hit by injury setbacks ahead of the fixture, with Cleary confirming the Panthers will hand 20-year-old Jack Cole only his second senior start at five-eighth in place of absent star Jarome Luai.

Wigan will draft youngster Harvie Hill into their front row after losing new signing Luke Thompson, formerly with Canterbury, to concussion in Saturday's Super League season-opener at Castleford.

Another new arrival, prop Sam Walters, was already sidelined.

Wigan head coach Matt Peet said he breathed a huge sigh of relief when halfback Harry Smith escaped a ban following a yellow card for a tip tackle against Castleford, meaning he can line up at the sold-out DW Stadium on Saturday (7am Sunday AEDT).

"Both teams want to come up against the best of one another," Peet said.

"We want to see Harry on that stage, particularly because of the journey he's been on, coming through (Wigan's development) pathway.

"Harvie is another home-grown lad which is brilliant and it is an exciting opportunity for him."

Australian Associated Press