It takes more than good fortune to win a Grand Final and although Wigan ended with the trophy they started the game atrociously.
Their play was littered with poor execution, Josh Charnley dropped a ball that would have been a certain try and, suddenly, they were 16-2 down to Warrington.
But the game turned on two key moments. First, Joel Monaghan came off for Warrington at the end of the first half and then Wigan snuck a try. That would have made all the difference in the changing rooms at half-time.
Then when Stefan Ratchford came off injured, Warrington were even more exposed, missing two of their most exciting strike options and two great defensive players. Tony Smith had gone for a bench of four forwards and must have regretted that. He had to reshuffle but that just exposed the weaker defenders.
Warrington did not score a point in the second half, while Wigan gave Pat Richards and Sam Tomkins the perfect send-off in their last game each for the club.
It was right that Blake Green was awarded the Harry Sunderland Trophy. He had the best game he’s had in a Wigan shirt, upstaging even the stars such as Richards and Tomkins.
It’s been a fantastic year for Shaun Wane. He must be thinking what he has to do to win coach of the year — the Challenge Cup and Super League double obviously were not enough! People say he had some tough shoes to fill in those of Michael Maguire but he’s filled them comfortably.
Wigan started the year well, had a blip and a lot of questions were asked of them — they answered those emphatically.
Warrington will be gutted after back-to-back Grand Final disappointments but I’m sure they will learn from this experience and come back stronger next season.
Martin Offiah is an official ambassador for RLWC2013 which kicks off on October 26. For info and to purchase tickets visit rlwc2013.com
