The 2014 World Club Challenge marked a return to Australia, 20 years after the last Australian based game.

In 1976, Eastern Suburbs, the 1975 NSWRFL Premiers, defeated the 1975–76 English champions St. Helens 25–2 in front of 26,865 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After the 2013 Rugby League World Cup had been staged in England, it was agreed to transfer this game to Australia.

Tony Smith, the coach of Wigan's 2013 Grand final opponents, Warrington Wolves, flew to sydney to assist the Roosters in their preparation for the World Club Challenge.

[3] Wigan finished Super League XVIII's regular season in 4th place and on 5 October 2013 defeated 2nd-placed Warrington Wolves 30 - 16 in the 2013 Super League Grand final,[4] qualifying the Warriors for their sixth World Club Challenge overall.