Micky McIlorum, Lewis v French, refereeing, and other last minute Super League Grand Final talking points

Hours out from the Super League Grand Final and we’ve had one last look at the biggest talking points and where the game will be won.

In a repeat of the 2024 showpiece game, it’s Hull KR versus Wigan Warriors and despite being the form side all season and having already won both the Challenge Cup and League Leaders Shield, Hull KR are not favourites.

Instead, back-to-back champions Wigan Warriors are the side fancied to win at Old Trafford with the Cherry and Whites seeking a third successive and eighth total Super League Grand Final.

They’ve been there and done it on the biggest stage and whilst Hull KR have caught up slightly in terms of big game experience, they’re certainly not at that level yet.

It’s been 21 years since a new side etched their name into Super League Grand Final history, back when Leeds Rhinos won their first of eight in 2004.

Three-peat or treble? An eighth title or a maiden victory? Wigan Warriors or Hull KR?

Super League Grand Final last minute talking points

Who is under the most pressure?

Both sides are chasing history with Wigan set to become just the third side to win three consecutive Grand Finals or Hull KR set to become just the fifth side to win the treble in the Super League era.

As favourites, Wigan might be under more pressure in the eyes of some but you’d argue it is actually Hull KR given their season so far. They were dominant for large periods of the year but stuttered over the line in securing the League Leaders Shield.

Their play-off win over St Helens silenced some of the questions about fatigue but it was a performance that paled in comparison to Wigan’s over Leigh, and whilst you can win a Grand Final with a bad performance, the Robins would have preferred to enter with far better form.

Having been there and done it, it almost feels like the pressure is off for Wigan despite a trophy-less season so far. The same can’t be said for Hull KR. There is a weight of expectation on them to finish the job and whether they crack under that pressure at Old Trafford is to be seen.

Mikey Lewis versus Bevan French

A total of 34 men, potentially more if the 18th man is triggered, will take to the field and whilst they will all have assignments and need to be on their A-game for their respective sides to win, it does feel like this match comes down to two men.

In fact, it almost comes down to one man and that is Mikey Lewis because we know what Bevan French will produce. Time and time again the Australian has proven that he is the best big-game player in Super League, claiming Man of the Match in all three finals last year, whilst also scoring two tries last week.

Lewis scored one and created another last week but he’s going to have to do it on the biggest stage if Hull KR are to match Wigan’s moments of brilliance. Last year, the Robins didn’t score a try at Old Trafford and whilst not impossible, it’s very hard to win Grand Finals without crossing the whitewash.

All eyes will be on Hull KR’s number seven to step up and deliver with Willie Peters having urged him to channel the mentality that saw Reece Walsh earn the Clive Churchill medal in last week’s NRL Grand Final.

Micky McIlorum

One last dance or career over? That’s the question regarding former Wigan man Micky McIlorum with the Hull KR hooker in a race to be fit having fractured his ankle in August.

The fact we’re even talking about whether he will play is testament to what a professional he is and also how tough he is but it’s a big call for Willie Peters. McIlorum would likely only be tasked to play the opening 20 minutes and set the tone for the night, however, Peters would be sacrificing a valuable bench position if he opts to do that.

As such, he needs to be certain that McIlorum can truly set that tone and lay a platform from which Jez Litten can build on because if not, then Hull KR might well have just carried their utility back or another forward.

They risked him in the Challenge Cup and whilst they won that day, you could ask how much was down to McIlorum playing. It might be his final game but there’s no room for sentiment and all eyes will be on the teamsheet at 4:30.

Referees and technology

This play-off series seems to have been marred by the decisions of referees or at least the aftermath of it with the prime example being that Leeds Rhinos and St Helens game, with Jon Bennison’s try the big talking point.

The fall-out from that, which included an RFL apology, wasn’t a good look for the sport and a game between two sides of this level doesn’t deserve to be overshadowed by a call from the officials.

Of course, no official goes out to make a wrong decision but so often they’re let down by the technology and sadly that technology cannot magically improve in the hours before kick off at Old Trafford.

The NRL Grand Final last week was officiated freely with big decisions being placed on report and whilst no one would advocate for obvious red or yellow cards to be ignored, allowing the game to flow will hopefully create a far better product.

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