The Warrington Wolves take on the Wigan Warriors in the Super League grand final at Old Trafford this weekend.
Warrington earned their spot in the decider with an 18-10 semi-final win over St Helens last weekend, while Wigan upset 2016 Challenge Cup winners Hull FC 28-18 to book their fourth consecutive grand final appearance.
Former NRL players will be on display for both teams – Warrington have Kurt Gidley and Ashton Sims, while Wigan have Frank-Paul Nu’uausala. The Wolves’ Chris Sandow has been out for several weeks with a knee injury but may play if he passes a fitness test, while Sam Tomkins of the Warriors is out after undergoing foot surgery last week.
34-year-old Gidley has been in fine form at five-eighth, being named in the Super League team of the season last week, along with three of his teammates – centre Ryan Atkins, second-rower Ben Currie and prop Chris Hill.
Winger Dom Manfredi was the only Wigan player selected in the team of the season.
The two teams have met three times this campagin, with Wigan winning the most recent clash 35-28 just over two weeks ago, while Warrington won both earlier matches.
Defence will be the key for Wigan this weekend, with Warrington possessing the best attacking record in Super League, averaging an incredible 28 points per match, conceding just 17. Wigan’s attack averages 22 points per match this year, conceding 18.
Wigan are the most successful club in English rugby league history, winning the championship a record 20 times. However, they have lost the past two grand finals, beaten in 2015 by Leeds and in 2014 by St Helens. Ironically, their last premiership was in 2013, when they beat Warrington, so they will be hoping history repeats itself this weekend.
Warrington meanwhile will be hoping for their first championship since 1954-55, having lost both the 2012 and 2013 Super League grand finals. They also lost this year’s Challenge Cup final 12-10 against Hull FC, though they did taste Challenge Cup success in 2009, 2010 and 2012. They also won the League Leader’s Shield this season for finishing the season on top of the ladder.
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
Yes, kick off 6pm UK time which will be 3am Sunday (Qld) or 4am Sunday (NSW) http://www.rugby-league.com/
Ghost Crayfish
Roar Pro
Should be a good game, but it's a shame that injuries seem to have hit both teams. At their best I think both clubs can put out world class teams, and I was look forward to seeing young stars like Ben Currie and Dom Manfredi on such a big stage. With O'Loughlin and the Tomkins brothers also missing for Wigan, their team has taken a big hit. I guess it speaks volumes for their depth (and character) that they've still been able to make the Grand Final, but I do wonder if it is also a bit of a reflection on the overall Super League standard these days. Still, enough negative talk! Wigan's conveyor belt of quality young talent still seems to be rolling along nicely, so that's a huge plus for the English game. Unfortunately for them, I think it would also be a positive for Super League if Warrington beat them this weekend and put a new name on the trophy.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Warrington will never win the championship again until they wear the white jersey with yellow primrose & blue bands. That's a fact!
rangersforever
Guest
Next season looks awesome imo. the championship race for top 4 will be epic- Toulouse, London,Bradford,hull kr with sheens will be putting out great sides and will be looking for promotion. I hope it is broadcast as I think from the sky deal extension it's supposed to be 1 per week shown live. Hope we see Toulouse in super league soon as a French Derby and another full team of professionals at the highest level would really benefit French league. in a perfect world Toulouse, Catalans, Toronto and a welsh side would all be in super league I don't mind the super 8 model but the top 8 needs work as it creates meaningless games early in the concept. I would suggest playing 3-4 games to eliminate 7 and 8 then proceed with a top 6 playoff format to the Gf. For the Gf, head and heart saying Warrington will smash Wigan. It's a pity Hull fc faded post cup final as it would have guaranteed a new super league champion.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Things are moving and efforts are being made. My main concern is the media deal that sees the Super League being undervalued. Given that their ratings are on par or exceed that of comparable sports it's a sign of a poor negotiation strategy on behalf of the RFL. It's almost as if they don't trust their product. Hopefully that will change sooner rather than later.
Fred
Guest
Depending how Catalans go next season, a French derby is possible as early as next season (if Toulouse go well in the Championship and Catalans poorly in the Super League, the two would meet in the 'super 8's) - But I'd much prefer Toulouse earning promotion to Super League in 2018. Don't forget Toronto Wolfpack is also entering League1 next year... a lot going on in RL in the northern hemisphere
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Hoping for a Warrington win. Been a busy week over there. Hull KR relegated, Leigh promoted, Toulouse another promotion away from Super League...
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Oh Shucks... Thanks John
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Fox Sports 1 has live coverage from 2am Sunday morning Qld time, I think the actual kick-off time will be 3am Qld time.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
What time is it on in canetoad country?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Looking forward to the match. Thanks for the write up John.
Ray
Roar Rookie
Would love to see Kurt Gidley win a grand final at last, it would be some consolation for missing out at Newcastle for all those years.