It is almost time for the Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford.
It is the 26th Super League Grand Final, the 25th at Old Trafford and the perfect way to end the 28th Super League season on the eve of a brand new era which will be ushered in by Sky Sports with the broadcasters set to show every Super League game in 2024 and beyond.
Their coverage of tonight’s game begins from 5pm as Wigan and Catalans collide on the grandest stage.
Wigan are chasing Super League title number six in their 12th Grand Final.
Catalans Dragons are becoming only the sixth team to reach Old Trafford twice or more after Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Bradford Bulls, St Helens and of course their opponents tonight.
They are also aiming to become only the fifth team to be crowned Super League Champions and the first new name to pick up the Super League trophy since Leeds Rhinos defeated Bradford Bulls in 2004 with a 16-8 win.
That day was about new beginnings but today’s Grand Final feels like it is about endings as Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce look to end their careers as Super League Champions.
Tomkins is up against the side where he made his name and starts at fullback with the team news now in.
Mitchell Pearce starts at seven whilst Wigan bound Adam Keighran will face off against his future club at centre.
The man he will be replacing, Warrington loanee Toby King, also starts at centre. As expected, Matt Peet sticks with Jai Field at fullback and Bevan French at stand-off alongside Harry Smith.
But the big call was always going to centre around Ethan Havard. The prop picked up a hamstring injury against Wakefield Trinity in July and has missed every game since but was a shock inclusion in the squad for the Grand Final with Cade Cust the player dropping out in the only change for the 21 squad going into the Grand Final.
Peet has chosen to risk Havard and he starts on the bench.
Joe Shorrocks is the 18th man meaning his hopes of playing in a Grand Final aren’t over.
