Wigan Warriors are on the cusp of making history by aiming for a historic quadruple as they prepare to face Hull Kingston Rovers in the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford this Saturday night. The Warriors have already clinched the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders’ Shield this season.
Wigan’s pursuit of all four major trophies in a single season is unprecedented, with their successes starting from a World Club Challenge victory over Penrith in February followed by triumphs in the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield. While other clubs like St Helens and Bradford have won all four trophies within a year, they didn’t achieve this milestone in the same campaign.
Hull KR have had a stellar season, with Mikey Lewis being named the 2024 Man of Steel and Willie Peters winning the Coach of the Year award. Lewis, a pivotal 23-year-old player for the team, has shown great composure in high-pressure situations, notably in crucial games such as the 24-0 victory against Leigh that helped secure a top-two finish for Rovers.
The upcoming Grand Final will see Rovers become only the 10th team to compete in the event since its inception in 1998, with the last first-time finalists winning being St Helens the following year. Despite historical statistics possibly favoring Wigan, Peters has instilled confidence in his team, with a close 24-20 loss to Wigan in their recent encounter fueling the underdogs’ determination to upset the odds.
Bevan French of Wigan has been a standout player in the lead-up to the Grand Final, particularly with an exceptional try in the semi-final victory over Leigh. Known for his unpredictable style of play, French poses a significant threat to opponents, and Hull KR will need to contain him effectively to boost their chances of causing an upset.
A record crowd of over 65,000 spectators is expected at Old Trafford for the Grand Final, marking the largest attendance since 2017. The heightened interest in the match reflects the quality of the competition and presents a valuable opportunity for rugby league as it navigates through an exciting but challenging era under IMG stewardship.
Players like French and Lewis are poised to shine on the grandest stage, showcasing the talent and intensity of the sport to a broader audience. As the anticipation builds for the showdown between Wigan and Hull KR, the stage is set for a memorable finale to what has been a remarkable Betfred Super League season.