2013 Super League Grand Final: Warrington Wolves vs Wigan Warriors preview

Adrian Morley & Sam Tomkins with the Super League trophy 

It's the Grand Final we've all been eagerly anticipating for the last few years, the Warrington Wolves take on the current Challenge Cup holders the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford this evening. Both sides will be desperate to win so that they can provide fairy tale to players who will be departing after this game.

The spotlight will mainly be on Sam Tomkins who plays his final game for the Wigan Warriors as he'll make the switch to the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL for a world record transfer fee. Another heading to the NRL from Wigan is prolific goal kicking winger Pat Richards who will rejoin the West Tigers.

On the flip side, Adrian Morley ends his seven year stint with the Warrington Wolves and joins the revolution at Salford his hometown club. Garreth Carvell is another who will be playing his last game in the primrose and blue as he will take up a two year deal at Bradford.

A 30 - 22 victory over the table toppers the Huddersfield Giants saw Warrington reach the Grand Final for the second consecutive year. Warrington were very impressive attack however a few lapses in defence allowed the Giants to sneak their way back into the game.

Wigan's route to the final was similar to Warrington's as both teams enjoyed a week off after wins in the first round of the play offs. However Wigan's semi final win over the current champions the Leeds Rhinos was a bit more clinical than Warrington's win. The Warriors were very good in defence, had good plays in attack and an excellent kicking game which was sufficient to send them back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2010.

As far as form goes in battles between these two sides this season, it is Warrington who have the upper hand. The first meeting between the two sides this ended in a 17 all draw at the DW Stadium but in the reverse fixture, Warrington came out on top in an excellent game of rugby league between two of the best sides in the 2013 Super League season.

I think form will play into Warrington's hands going into this game and also because they play one of the best brands of football in the competition. The play at a high tempo and shifting the ball to their left hand side usually causes problems for the opposition when they have to deal with Joel Monaghan.

But you can't rule out Wigan, Matty Smith and Blake Green have really stepped up to the plate this year and both of their kicking games make a huge difference has to how the Warriors play. The possible return of Sean O'Loughlin will be a huge boost for Wigan as he has provided a massive influence on them and they have missed him a lot when he has been out injured.

I am sure this will serve up to be a cracker of a Grand Final and a game that will provide lots of quality rugby league.