NRL premiers Cronulla are fuming after going down to Wigan in the World Club Challenge with coach Shane Flanagan ripping English referee Robert Hicks.

The Sharks lost the penalty count 11-7 with the Warriors receiving the first four penalties of the game.

In another controversial decision, Kurt Capewell was denied a try by the video referee when it looked like he had grounded the ball inside the line. That would have made it 10-4 to Wigan at the time.

“I’ll be glad to get back to Australia and have a two-referee system because I thought it was awful today,” Flanagan said.

#WorldClubChallenge🌍

Might be time for Wigan to buy a new trophy cabinet! 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/pSEojhqYQY

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 19, 2017

#WorldClubChallenge🌍

That's what it means! Congratulations @WiganWarriorsRL 🍾🍾🍾pic.twitter.com/QRQyYDceHM

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 19, 2017

Thank you to all of our fans both here in the UK and back at home. We can't thank you enough for the support.#SharksForever pic.twitter.com/RfA35ZjCj7

— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) February 19, 2017

“The 10 metres wasn’t 10 metres and I think Wigan were frustrated with some of the decisions as well because they were inconsistent.”

Despite the refereeing blunders, Wigan were the superior team bustling the Sharks in defence while their smaller forwards caused plenty of headaches for the bigger Sharks props.

Joe Burgess was the star for the home side crossing for three tries.