Will 2019 Finally Be Warrington’s Year to Win the Super League Grand Final?

The Warrington Wolves have been one of Super League’s most consistent teams in recent years, reaching the Grand Final in four of the last seven years – only the Wigan Warriors (5) have recorded more Old Trafford appearances in that timeframe. However, the Wolves are winless in all four Grand Final encounters; winning Super League’s showpiece fixture is now becoming more of a mental issue than anything else.

We are just two matches into the 2019 Super League campaign but Warrington have shown plenty of promise in the early stages. The Wolves have been solid in both fixtures so far this year but Steve Price’s men are yet to perform away from the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Their road form will be key to Super League glory and Warrington will need to show that they can cope in intense environments in order to win over the doubters.

🔥🔥🔥@wolvesrl started 2019 with a solid performance against an out of sorts Leeds Rhinos pic.twitter.com/I2pdNduNu5

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 2, 2019

Tony Smith did a tremendous job at Warrington but most Wolves fans agree that it was the right time to move on. Price has introduced a different style at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and Warrington are looking much stronger on both sides of the ball. The Wolves developed a reputation for being Super League’s entertainers under Smith but they now have the best of both worlds with enhanced defensive stability under Price.

Warrington fans were envisioning another tricky campaign when Kevin Brown went down with a season-ending injury back in training but Declan Patton has really stepped up to the plate. Playing alongside marquee signing Blake Austin, Patton has come of age in the early stage of the campaign and Wolves supporters are starting to dream of a return to the Old Trafford showpiece. Write Warrington off at your peril.

At the time of writing, the latest rugby league betting odds have Warrington at 3/1 to lift the Grand Final trophy this year – and it would be difficult to back against the Wolves after such a fast start. Justin Holbrook’s St Helens, expected to win the 2018 Grand Final before losing to Warrington in the playoff semi-finals, also have a 100% winning record at this early stage and may be their closest rivals for Super League glory.

St Helens have featured in 10 Grand Finals since Super League’s inaugural season in 1998 – Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos have equalled that feat. However, Saints have gone off the boil in recent years, reaching the Old Trafford fixture just once since 2006. Supporters were left devastated after the defeat to Warrington last year; St Helens had dominated the regular season and Holbrook’s men will fancy their chances of avenging that loss.

History suggests that Warrington have what it takes to reach the Old Trafford showpiece once again but will the Wolves fall short? Price will be determined to secure silverware at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this year and you won’t find too many Super League fans going against Warrington. If the Wolves can emulate their recent efforts for the entire 2019 season, they will take some beating come October. A first Grand Final success beckons if Warrington stay calm and composed.