Eight Penrith Panthers stars have hit the training paddock earlier than expected in 2023 to ensure they're selected for the first World Club Challenge in three years.

World Cup stars Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, Spencer Leniu and Izack Tago weren't due to return to training until January 16 - however the date put the player's WCC availbilty in doubt.

According toย The Sydney Morning Herald,ย under new health and safety protocols in the new CBA, players must have at least six weeks of pre-season under their belt in order to take part in the annual clash.

The February 18th kick-off would've given the stars just five weeks of full training had they returned on schedule, leaving them ineligible for the clash against St Helens unless they cut their holidays short.

Australia v Scotland: Rugby League World Cup
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Nathan Cleary of Australia looks to pass during Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool B match between Australia and Scotland at The Coventry Building Society Arena on October 21, 2022 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Players that partook in the World Cup are entitled to eight weeks annual leave after their tournament ends, and with all eight being part of the World Cup final squad, their leave didn't start until November 21st.

While enforcing that it was entirely the player's decision, Penrith CEO Matt Cameron is thrilled to see their stars available for the historic clash.

โ€œThe Panthers had a number of players represent their home nations at the most recent Rugby League World Cup with eight of our squad playing in the final,โ€ Cameron told the Sydneyย Morningย Herald.

โ€œAs a result, their mandated and well-deserved leave entitlement were pushed back into January. That being said, those players have now forgone part of their leave entitlements and have re-joined the main squad to be eligible for selection on the 18th of February.

2022 NRL Grand Final - Panthers v Eels
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai of the Panthers celebrate with team mates during the 2022 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on October 02, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

โ€œAlthough they are back at training, the club still has a responsibility to ensure they are match ready in time for the World Club Challenge and will be doing everything possible to get our best team possible on the park.

โ€œIt speaks volumes for the culture of this team and the character of the individuals.

โ€œThey didn't have to come back to training, but once again - as they have done throughout their careers - they've put the club and the team first.

โ€œThe hunger for success is what drives this team and it's a credit to Ivan (Cleary) and the coaching staff for helping instil that mentality.โ€

If victorious, the win will mark Penrith's first success in a World Club challenge, having lost after both their 1991 and 2003 premierships, while there was no WCC after the 2021 NRL Grand Final due to COVID.