Previews

Stage set for classic Grand Final

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 01/10/2010
Rugby League betting

Wigan Warriors will be attempting to win their first Grand Final since 1998 when they tackle fierce local rivals St Helens at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

Since Wigan's last success 12 years ago, Saints have claimed the trophy on four occasions but are also used to disappointment, having been beaten by Leeds Rhinos in each of the last three Grand Finals.

This time, Leeds were comprehensively beaten by the Warriors in the semi-finals, only a fortnight after clinching a shock victory at the DW Stadium in the first weekend of play-off action.

Can Wigan live up to their billing as favourites and beat St Helens in the Grand Final? - Latest Rugby League Betting

That forced Wigan to beat Hull KR for the right to meet Leeds again, this time at Headingley, and they made no mistake this time, running out 26-6 winners after producing an immaculate defensive display.

Saints have not been at their clinical best all year, eventually rallying to finish third in the regular season, behind table-topping Wigan and second-placed Warrington.

They appear to have hit top form at exactly the right time though, having won five successive matches since being beaten 32-28 by Leeds, including straightforward victories over the Wolves and Huddersfield Giants in the play-offs.

Wigan, who go into the clash as the narrow online betting favourites to end their 12-year wait for the trophy, have a fully-fit squad to choose from after captain Sean O'Loughlin shook off a shoulder injury but Saints seem certain to be without key player Kyle Eastmond.

The 21-year-old scrum-half has made only four appearances in the last three months due to a succession of injuries and damaged an ankle in the 42-22 semi-final victory over Huddersfield.

Saints coach Mick Potter is hopeful that utility player Jonny Lomax is available even though he has missed the club's last two matches with a leg injury, while long-serving captain Keiron Cunningham will be hoping to end his illustrious career on a high.

Since Wigan enjoyed their decade of unprecedented success between the late 1980s to mid-1990s, when they won eight Challenge Cups in a row and seven successive League Championships, the likes of Bradford Bulls, Leeds and St Helens have all enjoyed spells of dominance.

However, now appears to be the right time for Michael Maguire's side to stamp their authority on the game of rugby league once again.

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