Wigan Warriors will take on Hull KR in the Super League Grand Final this Saturday at Old Trafford.
Hull KR had to dig deep at Craven Park as they saw off Warrington Wolves 10-8 in what was firmly a game of two halves. James Batchelor and Joe Burgess got over for the Robins in the first half before a Matty Ashton brace in the second set up a thrilling conclusion to the contest.
Ultimately, Rovers’ goalkicking proved to be the difference with Willie Peters’ side clinging on to book their first ever Grand Final spot. It’s fair to say Wigan made lighter work of Leigh Leopards in their semi-final, though, as they ran out 38-0 victors. Sam Walters and Liam Marshall scored two tries each, while Jai Field and Bevan French also got over in moments of sheer brilliance.
As the build-up to the showpiece event in Manchester begins, we take a look at some of the big talking points at the start of the week.
Wigan selection dilemma
Most of Wigan’s Grand Final line-up picks itself, let’s be honest. Matt Peet’s selection has been consistent for some time with changes being kept to an absolute minimum.
However, following Sam Walters’ showing in the back-row, he might find himself with something of a selection headache. Walters only got the nod on Saturday due to Liam Farrell’s illness, but he certainly took his chance to impress with the former Leeds Rhinos man scoring two tries for the Cherry and Whites.
Of course, it remains to be seen if Farrell will be ready to compete in the Grand Final, but if he is, Peet will be tasked with disappointing one of his top performers one way or the other.
Minchella back
While Peet may be pondering his back-row options, Peters knows he will be bringing Minchella back into contention this weekend. The forward has missed KR’s last two games through suspension after being handed a ban for a late hit on Leigh man Matty Moylan.
His absence has been felt, but he must have been the most relieved man in east Hull when the final whistle was blown, with progression meaning he will get the chance to lead his side to glory. The forward makes such an impact through the middle and his leadership on the field will provide a huge boost.
His availability will likely see Dean Hadley move back into second-row, with Matty Storton dropping down to the bench.
Gildart fitness
There will be one man Peters is sweating on, though, with Oliver Gildart still struggling with a rib injury. The centre has sat out of KR’s last two games, but he’ll be doing all he can to prove he is ready to take on his former club at Old Trafford.
Even if he is fit, though, the performances of Jack Broadbent may just tempt Peters into giving him the nod, rather than twisting with a potentially undercooked Gildart.
The Grand Final every neutral wanted
No one can have any complaints about this year’s Grand Final line-up. Wigan and Hull KR have been Super League’s two best teams this season and they will do battle once more on Saturday.
Wigan looked imperious on Saturday as they swept aside Leigh, but they’ll be hard pushed to find such dominance against the Robins, who were on top against Wigan for large spells when the two sides met last month, with controversial sin-binnings potentially making the difference on that occasion.
It promises to be an electric atmosphere, too. Rovers have already sold out their initial allocation with more blocks being released to the club and Wigan won’t have too much trouble selling their tickets either. There’ll be plenty of neutrals who fancy the trip, too, with a huge crowd expected.
Will experience count?
Next Saturday will be Wigan’s 13th Grand Final, with the Cherry and Whites winning six and losing six. Rovers have never been this far into a Super League season, though, and it’s fair to say history is against them as they prepare to make their Grand Final debut.
Old Trafford isn’t always kind to first timers with Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC all falling short over the last 18 years. In fact, Bradford Bulls’ win in 2001 was the last time a side won on their Grand Final debut as they beat Wigan 37-6.
Leeds Rhinos were the last new team to their hands on the trophy, with Tony Smith’s side beating Bradford in 2004. Since then the same four teams have won the title, with big stage experience regularly proving pivotal.
History is there to be made for Rovers then, but Wigan have been there and done it all before.
P
October 8, 2024 at 7:19 pm
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