Why Gildart and Tierney can make history

If he wins, it would emulate the feat of his dad, Jason Robinson, in the famous victory at Brisbane in 1994 – the year Tierney was born.

Centre Oliver Gildart can also claim a family double with victory – three decades after his dad was in the matchday squad for the 8-2 triumph against Manly.

“It’s one of those things, that (emulating his dad’s achievement) is not something I think about, but I am excited to be playing in it,” said Tierney.

“It comes around so quick, coming out of pre-season, and to have a World Club Challenge feels mad after everything we went through last year.

“This game has been a focus of pre-season. We want to do well in the season but the pre-season we’ve been getting ready for this game, so we’re well prepared.”

The 1994 triumph was Wigan’s last of three World Club Challenge crowns.

“It’s been a while for the club,” said Tierney, who faced Cronulla’s Kiwi back Gerard Beale during the Four Nations.

“But everyone is confident.

“They’re a great team but so are we, I feel it’s the best chance in a long time.

“We had a full pre-season to nail some of the things we weren’t getting right last year.”

Gildart Snr was an unused substitute in the 1987 decider, in an era when starting forwards would often last the entire game, but played a role in the WCC win against Penrith four years later.

“I know how much that win against Manly means to my dad, I think he’s still got the shirt in his attic,” said Gildart.

“It’s a massive game, and this is the one you want to win – to say you are the best club in the world would be a top accolade.”

He scored two tries in the opening day 26-16 win at Salford.

“It’s scary really, because if we did some things better could have been a lot more,” said Gildart, a makeshift winger in the Series loss to Brisbane last year.

Watch a video interview with Shaun Wane at www.facebook.com/wigan.today