GRAND FINAL PREVIEW | Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves

In this year’s decider, expect the majority of end-of-set plays to involve either a high spiralling kick into open play or a light grubber into the short in-goals. This means that both Tomkins and Ratchford will be busy catching the ball and running it out from danger. They will be responsible for tracking back if a player breaks through the line and be there to perform a try-saving tackle. Finally, both of these players will need to be prominent in their own team’s attack, popping up and receiving the ball during play.

Catalans bound Tomkins, has had one of his best seasons since starting his professional career back in 2008 and because of this, his teammates will be looking to him, and Bateman throughout this mammoth clash. Tomkins is imperative in Wigan’s attack and has made 97 attacking kicks for his teammates. He can also be threatening throughout with 18 try assists this season while scoring 10 of his own. Sam also has a stable conversion rate this season converting 75% attempts at goal.  Warrington are going to have to be incredibly careful should the Grand Final come down to drop goals, Tomkins has kicked four field goals this year, with his teammates Escare and Woods having one each.

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His opposite number, Stefan Ratchford, has consistently performed all-year-long in the custodian role. Like his opponent, Ratchford is a danger in attack in averaging 8.06 metres per game.  This, along with 101 tackle busts, makes Stefan a major influence in the Wolves side. Wigan will need to watch out for his inventive plays close to the try line having provided 19 try assists while scoring 13 of his own. Despite Roberts being the likely goal-kicker, Ratchford can provide back-up, kicking at 75% this season. If the game comes down to drop goals, Ratchford could provide the difference with the boot and surprise his own set of fans with the match winner. Can Warrington finally get one point on the grandest stage to give them a win in the biggest game of their lives?