Rugby League
Super League Grand Final preview: Wigan seeking back-to-back Old Trafford triumphs
The 2024 Super League season has reached its climax and only two teams remain, as Wigan Warriors and Hull KR take to Old Trafford for the Grand Final.
All 12 teams fought hard in what was another enthralling Super League season, but it is the Warriors and the Robins who have earned their place in the Manchester showpiece, which is sure to be a corker.
The sides have met twice in the league this season with the scores one apiece in that realm, while their Challenge Cup semi-final meeting saw Wigan come out on top. So, it’s 2-1 to the Warriors, but the fourth meeting between these sides in 2024 will no doubt be the most important.
We preview the 2024 Super League Grand Final below.
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Wigan fancied for title defence
2024 has been a season to remember for the Wigan Warriors who have already lifted silverware on two occasions before even making it to Old Trafford. First came the Challenge Cup back in June, before they secured the League Leaders’ Shield on the final day of the Super League season.
Their old rivals St Helens haven’t had their usual say in proceedings having suffered a below-par season, and the Warriors haven’t let that opportunity slip. Only two other sides posted 40+ points this year and Wigan’s record of 22 wins and five losses was the best of the lot. Having finished top of the pile and with two pieces of silverware already secured, it’s no surprise that they’re 4/11 favourites to complete the Treble at Old Trafford.
Rugby league is of course a team game, but one man has been pivotal to Wigan’s success so far this season. Star man and last year’s Man of Steel Bevan French has been at the centre of things once again for his side. The immensely-talented back, who has largely been deployed as a stand-off or scrum half this season, has been at his brilliant best all season and is a large part as to why they find themselves heading to Manchester once again.
His 30 contributions – including 16 tries and 14 assists – is the fourth-highest tally in Super League this season and further emphasises his importance. One of the few with more than French is his teammate Liam Marshall, who finished the season with 27 tries and four assists. If Wigan are to make it back-to-back Grand Final victories then you can be sure that at least one of these two will be heavily involved.
Robins can continue to silence doubters
Most Hull KR fans wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told them at the end of 2022, after finishing eighth on 24 points, that they’d be in the 2024 Grand Final off the back of a 42-point second-place Super League finish.
But that dream is now a reality for the Robins who have continued to prove the naysayers wrong and haven’t looked like dropping off at any point this season. Their 21 wins and six losses saw them finish just two points shy of Wigan, but also 36 points clear of rivals Hull FC which the red side of the city will certainly have enjoyed.
Bevan French was without a doubt the main man for the Warriors, but the Robins have a star of their own in Man of Steel Mikey Lewis. Similar to French, Lewis – who is equally versatile and talented – has been the heartbeat of his side this season, operating from stand-off and scrum half.
From these positions he has directly contributed to 43 tries, going over on 19 occasions and providing the decisive pass 24 times. His side head to Old Trafford as 2/1 underdogs to secure their first title since 1985, but if they’re to do so then it’ll be no surprise if he is at the epicentre of their success.
