Grand Final Preview – Wigan Warriors coach insists focus is on improvement not potential Grand Slam victory
Wigan will aim to become the first side to win the grand slam in one season – since 1994/1995 when Wigan themselves achieved the feat– but coach Matt Peet claims his players will not be focusing on this.
Peet said: “We’ve discussed it but this week is about the process really, we’ll just talk about how we can improve as a team.”
Wigan face Hull KR this Saturday in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford – with an expected crowd of 65,000.
For Hull KR they are aiming to be the first side since 2001 to win the Grand Final at their first attempt.
On how Hull KR can break that trend Coach Willie Peters said: “We’ve shown that we can match it with Wigan.
“Whoever turns up on the day and settles the quickest they’ll win the game.”
Wigan and Hull KR, who finished first and second in the Super League respectively, have played each other three times this season with Wigan winning twice and losing once.
When asked about being the first-ever player to captain the Robins in a Grand Final, Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella said: “It’s an awesome achievement but I don’t get too fixated on things like that – full focus on training this week and I’ll think about that later down the line.”
Minchella, who missed Hull KR’s last two games due to suspension, confessed that it was the most nervous he’s ever been watching a rugby game – as he sat in the stands for Hull KR’s semi-final win over Warrington Wolves.
Wigan prop Kaide Ellis said: “It’s a very emotional week you go up and down – it’s important we enjoy it for what it is.”
The final is so eagerly awaited that there have been long queues outside the Wigan ticket office, whilst Hull KR sold 10,000 tickets within 12 hours of their ticket release.
Peters puts this down to both clubs being consistent all year, whilst Peet says “It’s credit to several years hard work”.
Mutual respect has been shown by both coaches with Peters saying “For Wigan, the club speaks for itself in terms of the history”.
Peet added: “Willie’s got them plying fantastically well, you can see he’s getting the best out of the players.”
With just two points separating the sides in the league season and both teams aiming for a historic win the Grand Final promises to be an electric affair this Saturday at 6 PM.
