When Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity walk out at Old Trafford on Saturday night, a brand-new name will be etched onto the Super League Grand Final trophy.
Neither club has ever won a Grand Final in the summer era and whilst both fanbases are dreaming of a maiden title, the level of big-stage, Grand Final experience within each 17-man squad could prove to be the ultimate deciding factor under the Theatre of Dreams floodlights.
Warrington Wolves enter the contest with considerable club history at this venue, having featured in four previous Grand Finals (2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018).
While head coach Sam Burgess leads Wire into his first Old Trafford decider, his squad boasts a healthy blend of proven big-match winners and battle-hardened veterans who have played on domestic and international rugby league’s biggest stages.
Key figures like Toby King and Joe Philbin bring direct experience of playing for Warrington on the Old Trafford turf back in 2018, while off-season recruit James Bentley already holds a Super League ring from his trophy-winning spell with St Helens. That big-stage composure was evident in their tense 14-12 semi-final victory over Leeds Rhinos, where Warrington managed the closing stages with tactical maturity.
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Wakefield Trinity’s grand stage debut balanced by big-game winners
In contrast, Saturday marks a historic first-ever Grand Final appearance for Wakefield Trinity in the club’s 153-year history. Yet despite Trinity making their debut as a club at Old Trafford, Daryl Powell’s roster is far from naive when it comes to high-pressure occasions.
Daryl Powell himself brings previous Grand Final coaching experience from his time in charge of Castleford Tigers in 2017.Â
Furthermore, Trinity’s aggressive recruitment drive following their Championship treble has brought in key individuals with genuine big-match pedigree.Â
Star additions like Mike McMeeken (2017 with Castleford, 2021 and 2023 with Catalans) and Tom Johnstone (2023 with Catalans) bring proven Old Trafford elite experience, having played in showpiece finals and international tests.
Combined with the big-match temperament displayed in their breath-taking 33-6 semi-final demolition of Wigan Warriors at The Brick Community Stadium, Trinity have proven they will not be overwhelmed by the occasion.
While Warrington hold the edge in total club appearances at Old Trafford, Wakefield’s squad possesses the ideal mixture of fearless momentum and seasoned leadership to match Wire step for step on Saturday night.
Wakefield and Warrington’s previous Super League Grand Final appearances
Below is a list of every player from each side that has played in at least one Super League Grand Final, as well as their record in those games.
Warrington Wolves
Sam Powell – 6 (Three wins and three losses)
George Williams – 4 (Two wins and two losses)
Toby King – 3 (One win and two losses)
James Bentley – 2 (One win and one loss)
Liam Byrne – 2 (One win and one loss)
Joe Philbin – 1 (Loss)
Kelepi Tanginoa – 1 (Loss)
Wakefield Trinity
Mike McMeeken – 3 (Three losses)
Tom Johnstone – 1 (Loss)
