World Club Challenge: Sydney Roosters v Wigan Warriors preview

The Warriors are bidding to replicate the club's success from nearly 20 years ago when they pulled off a massive upset in beating the Brisbane Broncos in Brisbane 20-14.

The match is the first to be played in Australia since that famous showdown. 14 subsequent World Club Challenges have been played, all in England, with nine wins for Super League teams and six for Australian.

Wigan lost their season-opener to Huddersfield 24-8 earlier this month, but they warmed up for Saturday's game last week with a 46-22 success over the NZ Warriors.

Wigan last contested the World Club Challenge in 2011 when they hosted St George Illawarra Dragons at the DW Stadium, when Michael McGuire's men were defeated 21-15.

Wigan were imperious in finals last season after following up their 16-0 win over Hull FC in the Challenge Cup with a remarkable comeback to beat Warrington Wolves 30-16 in the Grand Final.

The Roosters, under former Catalan Dragons head coach Trent Robinson, claimed last season's NRL title with an epic 26-18 success over Manly Sea Eagles, who also lost the 2012 Challenge clash to Leeds Rhinos.

Warriors coach Shaun Wane has a near fully-fit squad to choose from with England duo Sean O'Loughlin and Josh Charnley named in his 19-man squad.

Won his battle

O'Loughlin is set to win his battle following a hamstring strain while Charnley has recovered from a hernia operation and is ready to play for the first time this season.

Wane's only injury absentee from the preliminary 19 is promising hooker or half-back Sam Powell, who sustained an ankle injury in training.

"They are a great side the Roosters, they are well coached and have top international players throughout their team," Wane told AAP.

"But my lads aren't pushovers, we have some top quality players who can and have played in the NRL and the Roosters will know for sure they've been in a game."

Robinson has some insider knowledge on his side having coached in Super League, while his new assistant Steve McNamara is also England's head coach.

The Roosters will be without New Zealand international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The winger is yet to recover from the fractured right fibula sustained in last year's World Cup final.

His place is taken by the fit-again Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Luke O'Donnell has retired since last year's NRL Grand Final while Sam Moa and France international Remi Casty have both played in Super League.

Robinson said: "Mac has seen more of Wigan than anyone of us, having spent time up there. I know how they play as well. We've spent a little bit more time than normal preparing for Wigan because of the importance of the game. I think we're well prepared."

Don't miss any of the action watch Sydney Roosters v Wigan Warriors on Saturday live on Sky Sports 2 from 8.30am

Wigan 19-man squad: J Bateman, M Bowen, J Burgess, J Charnley, T Clubb, D Crosby, G Dudson, L Farrell, B Flower, A Gelling, D Goulding, B Green, J Hughes, M McIlorum, S O'Loughlin (capt), E Pettybourne, D Sarginson, M Smith, S Taylor.

Sydney Roosters (probable): A Minichiello (capt); D Tupou, M Jennings, M Aubusson, S Kenny-Dowall; J Maloney, M Pearce; J Waerea-Hargreaves, J Friend, S Moa, B Cordner, S Bill Williams, F-P Nuuausala. Replacements (from): D Mortimer, A Guerra, D Napa, R Casty, K Evans, T Milne, K Kara.