Wigan and Catalans go head to head in the 2023 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford

Wigan Warriors meet Catalans Dragons in the Grand Final on Saturday as England and France face off at this level for just the second time in Super League history.

The stage is set for an Old Trafford classic under the lights.

The league’s top two will meet for a fourth time this year, but interestingly, they have never faced off in the calendars biggest event.

The Super League has recently been dominated by St Helens, the greatest side the competition has seen for decades. However, in 2023 the coveted crown will be worn by another club.

Will it be the first timers Catalans? Or will it be Wigan? The most decorated club in English rugby league’s history.

It was Wigan that won the league leaders shield just three weeks ago, their fantastic form at the end of the regular season saw them rocket up the table to once again finish top of the pile. Nevertheless, the Dragons led the way for the majority of the season, only to be pipped at the end and miss out on silverware by virtue of points difference.

The Warriors are bidding to add another title to their already monstrous tally. It would be a sixth in the Super League era, and their 23^rd of all time. After seeing great success in the 2010s, they’ve hit somewhat of a dry spell for their standards, having not been crowned champions since 2018.

They came as close as you could get three years ago losing in the final. Now under a new coach they will look to put that behind them and pick up the crown that their rivals St. Helens have just dropped.

Standing in their way are the giants of France.

Catalans are looking to make Rugby League history. Not only would victory make them the first foreign side to win the title, but they would also put an end to Super League’s famous four. Since the new era started back in 1998, only St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Wigan have ever won the competition.

Many have come close but always failed to get over the line. However, never has a side looked more likely than Super League’s French representatives.

They were the first foreign side to ever reach the Grand Final, and since that heartbreaking loss two years ago they have pushed on, improved their squad, improved their mentality, and now look ready to conquer.

Their coach Steve McNamara was brought in to save the club from relegation in 2017. Since then he has brought them their first ever Challenge Cup trophy, and the league leaders shield. A remarkable turnaround for the French outfit.

Warriors coach Matt Peet is coming to the end of his second year at the club. He may not have been taking over a sinking ship, but guiding a giant to stay on course can be just as challenging. He also won the Challenge Cup in his first year, and will now look to bring glory in the Grand Final back to Wigan.

As far as the previous meetings go, history will have Wigan as the favourites.

The Warriors have won 31 of the meetings between the two, compared to Catalans’ 13. However, the Dragons have won two of the three matches played this season, and it’s the recent form that counts the most.

Wigan comfortably saw off Hull KR last weekend, whilst Catalans put in one of their all time performances to knock out St Helens in a game for the ages.

Coming into a game as big as this in red hot form is what gives you a great chance of victory. Wigan have mastered that this year, winning their last nine games. Their pedigree at this level could also give them a slight edge.

Catalans went through a rough patch towards the end of the season which ultimately saw them miss out on first place. However, they have won their last four, and if last weekend was anything to go by, they’re certainly not travelling to Manchester to make up the numbers.

The team news, player evaluations and manager/player press conferences will follow in the coming days.

If you cannot attend this blockbuster at Old Trafford, we recommend you free up your Saturday evening and tune into Sky Sports coverage from 5pm, with the kick-off at 6pm.

 

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