Manchester: A bid by Wigan players to have next year's World Club Challenge against Cronulla played at Southern Cross Stadium is set to be defeated by contractual red tape.

Several of the Super League club's stars told Fairfax Media following the 12-6 grand final triumph over Warrington at Old Trafford on Saturday they would prefer the 2017 world title bout be played in Sydney.

'Close to the worst day of my life': Kurt Gidley on losing his first premiership decider. Credit:Michael Steele

"Going over there, I think we've got a pre-season camp," winger Lewis Tierney said. "They're not telling us, we're not asking questions. Going over to Australia and playing against the most skilful and best teams is going to be big boost for us.

"We normally go to Florida … I'd rather go there (Australia), it will be bloody awful over here."