A comfortable semi-final victory against Huddersfield Giants ensured Wigan’s return to the Super League Grand Final for a third consecutive year.
The Warriors ran in five tries at the DW stadium against a Huddersfield side that have yet again fallen at the final hurdle. Wigan’s Grand Final opponents will be decided in tonight’s second semi-final between Leeds and St Helens.
Man of the match John Bateman crossed twice for The Warriors, whilst Matty Bowen kicked 12 points with the boot.
Wigan boss Shaun Wane praised his side’s desire and admitted they had to be at their best to beat a dangerous Giants side.
‘‘I think in rugby league the team and individuals that want it more will generally get it,’’ Wane said.
‘‘Huddersfield have a lot of talent, they are a good team.
‘‘They have the best defence in the competition and are a good attacking team.
‘‘But we just hung in there, defended our line well and showed a lot of desire.’’
The Wigan coach will lead his team out at Old Trafford for the third successive year and insisted his club’s intent to right the wrongs of last-seasons final defeat at the hands of St Helens.
‘‘I know that going to Old Trafford there is only one way to finish and that’s to win,’’ stated Wane.
‘‘There’s one way to finish it next week and we need to make sure we nail it.’’
For Huddersfield though, it is a tale becoming all too familiar, summed up simply by Giants stand-off Danny Brough, ‘‘Same old same old Giants stumble at the last block again.’’
The Super League Grand Final will kick off at six o’clock on Saturday 10 October. If St Helens progress, this year’s final will be re-match of last season’s. If Leeds get to Old Trafford, it will be the first time Wigan have faced them in a Super League final for 17 years.
Either way, the final promises to be a classic and Wigan coach Wane knows exactly what is required from his team.
‘‘We know what we need to do,’’ said Wane.
‘‘We just stay in our processes, our systems and we can win the game.’’
