Grand Final Match Preview
In association with Davanti Tyres, here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Super League Grand Final against Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford.
After lifting the League Leadersβ Shield just a few weeks ago, and seeing off Hull KR in the Play-Off Semi-Final, the Warriors now look forward to a Betfred Super League Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford with a shot at a second piece of silverware.
Squad News
Matt Peet has made one change to the 21-man squad as Ethan Havard returns to the squad for the first time since July, replacing Cade Cust.
Wigan squad for Grand Final:
Opposition
Catalans Dragons have also named their 21-player squad ahead of the final.
Previous Meetings
Saturday’s battle will be the fourth time the sides have faced each other in 2023, with the Warriors winning the last clash 34-0 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus in August.
Last ten meetings:
- Catalans Dragons 0, Wigan 34 (SLR23, 26/8/23)
- Catalans Dragons 46, Wigan 22 (SLR14, 3/6/23) (at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
- Wigan 10, Catalans Dragons 18 (SLR4, 9/3/23)
- Wigan 48, Catalans Dragons 4 (SLR27, 2/9/22)
- Catalans Dragons 28, Wigan 0 (SLR5, 12/3/22)
- Wigan 12, Catalans Dragons 8 (SLR25, 17/9/21)
- Catalans Dragons 48, Wigan 0 (SLR8, 29/5/21)
- Catalans Dragons 12, Wigan 28 (SLR12, 12/9/20)
- Wigan 46, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR28, 6/9/19)
- Catalans Dragons 33, Wigan 16 (SLR15, 18/5/19) (at Camp Nou, Barcelona)
Super League Summary:
- Wigan wins: 31
- Catalans wins: 13
- Draws: 1
Coach Quotes
Matt Peet spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon at Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final.
Peet said: βIβm proud, really proud. Iβm proud of the lads, the team, the Club, and to get the privilege of walking out beside Liam Farrell is quite humbling really.β
Read the full preview with Matt Peet HERE.
Player Preview
Liam Farrell also spoke at the press conference ahead of the clash against the Dragons.
Farrell said: “All our players deserve to be here after working incredibly hard throughout the year, and hopefully we can get the job done on Saturday.”
Read the full preview with Liam Farrell HERE.
Tickets
Please enter the stadium via the turnstile indicated on your ticket. Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off (4pm).
Important Information
Stadium Entertainment
Sheffield based band, Reverend and the Makers, will rock the Theatre of Dreams as part of the pre-match and half-time Grand Final entertainment. Rugby League’s resident dance troop, Join the Momentum, will bring the energy with a special half-time dance performance on the Old Trafford turf.
Fan Zone
Before all the in-stadium action gets underway, why not visit the jam-packed Fan Zone located in the N1 car park outside the North Stand to soak up the Grand Final atmosphere.
The Fan Zone will be open from 2-5pm, and will be hosted by former Super League star Paul Wood plus three other former Grand Finalists including Super League & NRL Premiership winner Adrian Morley.
While you’re there, enjoy:
- Live music throughout the day
- Fan games
- Singalongs
- A beer bus
- Food and drink stalls
- Oxen Merchandise stalls
- A photo with the Betfred Super League trophy
Cashless Stadium
Old Trafford is a cash-free stadium. If you would like to purchase food and beverages while attending the event, please bring a debit or credit card.
Disabled Toilets
There are disabled toilets in all supporter areas of the stadium. Please contact your nearest steward for assistance.
Matchday Screening Process
Every supporter attending at Old Trafford is subjected to a screening process prior to entering the stadium that includes a physical and/or visual search. In addition, there are restrictions on the size of bag that can be taken onto the stadium footprint.
Exceptions will only be made for bags containing essential medical provisions/equipment or baby changing items that require larger bags.
Bag Policy
If avoidable please do not bring a bag larger than 20cm x 15cm x 5cm (8″ x 6″ x 2″) with you to the match; this equates to a small handbag.
If your bag exceeds the recommended size, you will need to leave it in the Bag Drop area. There is a Β£5 charge to leave an item, with all profits going to the Manchester United Foundation.
Unfortunately pushchairs are prohibited inside the stadium, however, these may also be checked in at the Bag Drop locations. For full details on baggage restrictions and prohibited items, please click here.
Travelling to Old Trafford
For the smoothest possible journey, we recommend visiting HERE. You can get to Old Trafford by Bus, Train or the Metro Link Tram Service, please visit HERE To plan your Journey to the stadium.
Road Closures
Ahead of your journey to Old Trafford, please note the following road closures which may affect your route. These roads will be closed from 10am on Saturday 14 October until 6pm on Sunday 15 October.
- Brian Statham Way, through to A5014 Talbot Road.
- A5014 Talbot Road, from Great Stone Road to A5063 White City Way.
- Warwick Road, from A5014 to Barlow Road.
By Train
If you are travelling by train, please note that Deansgate train station will be closed from 6pm on Saturday 14 October, and post-event fans will be directed to Mcr Oxford Road. Deansgate Tram stop will remain open throughout the evening.
By Metro Link Tram
The closest Metro Link Tram stations to Old Trafford include Old Trafford station which is situated within a five minute walk of the ground. This station is accessible for wheelchair users.
The Trafford Park line is now open, with the new stops at the Imperial War Museum and Wharfside being just a short walk to the ground.
By Car
Parking is available on-site in the stadium car parks on a pre-pay basis only. Please note parking is limited, however there are number of public car parks in the local area. If you would like to purchase car parking for the event, please visit here.
When parking at the stadium, please ensure that you follow the below instructions:
- Follow the directions given by our Stewards
- On car parks with marked bays, please park between the line
- Do not park in any hatched or restricted area
- Adhere to our car park speed limit of 10 mph
- Allow yourself additional time for searches and ticket checks if you are parking on match day
- Please be patient and expect delays to your entry or exit at busy period
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists
Kit Check
Wigan Warriors will play in their traditional Cherry and White jersey in Saturdayβs Betfred Super League Grand Final.
Our Robin Park Arena Club store will open from 9am – 2:30pm on Saturday 14 October for any last minute purchases ahead of the Grand Final!
Match Officials
The man in the middle for Saturday’s clash will be Liam Moore, with Chris Kendall selected as the video referee.
How to Follow
Listen Live
Listen to free audio commentary of Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons from 5:45pm. Head to our Mixlr page by clicking HERE. Alternatively, you can simply use the pop out player below:
Social Media:
As an alternative to following the game, Wigan fans can keep up-to-date with every piece of the action via our social media channels and website:
- Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) β live game updates and reaction at the final hooter.
- Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) β behind-the-scenes action, both before and after kick-off.
- Facebook (Wigan Warriors) β live matchday information and reaction.
- Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) β post-match reaction including match report, and head coach and players reaction.
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