RUGBY League’s new chief executive Ian Nolan has declared the sport must seize an “incredibly exciting” opportunity to build its future – as he prepares to witness Warrington Wolves take centre stage at Old Trafford.
Nolan officially began his role as Rugby Football League chief executive this week, with his first major assignment coming just days later when he attends Saturday’s Betfred Super League Grand Final between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity.
For Warrington, the occasion represents another huge moment in the club’s history, with more than 15,000 Wolves supporters already having secured tickets through the club’s official allocation and the overall Old Trafford crowd expected to exceed 70,000, with less than 1,000 tickets available.
The Wolves are bidding to end a 71-year wait for a league championship, having reached the Super League Grand Final four times previously without lifting the trophy.
And while Nolan’s arrival represents a new chapter for the sport’s governing body, his first weekend in the job will put him right at the heart of one of the biggest occasions ever for the Warrington club and its supporters.
Nolan, who spent seven years as a senior executive at Manchester United and has also worked in sports media, said Rugby League had an opportunity to build on growing attendances, digital engagement and international interest.
“Rugby League has one of the richest and most unique histories in British sport, and I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to shape its next chapter.”
He added: “I know this game means so much to so many communities, and as custodians our ambition should be simple: to leave the game stronger than we found it.”
That message will have particular resonance in Warrington, where the Wolves have mobilised thousands of supporters for their latest shot at Grand Final glory.
The club booked its place at Old Trafford with a dramatic 14-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos, Ewan Irwin’s 65th-minute penalty ultimately settling the semi-final. Wakefield then produced a major upset by defeating reigning League Leaders Shield winners Wigan Warriors 33-6 to reach their first Super League Grand Final.
Saturday’s clash will therefore guarantee a new name on the Super League trophy, with neither Warrington nor Wakefield having previously won the title.
For Nolan, it is an opportunity to see first-hand the passion that he believes makes Rugby League distinctive.
He said:“Throughout my career I’ve learned that every sport has great stories. Stories can come from our players, from within a club or even from our fans, and rugby league has some of the very best – they just deserve a bigger stage.”
And Warrington’s story could hardly be more compelling this weekend.
After finishing third in the regular season, the Wolves have beaten Hull KR and Leeds to reach the sport’s biggest domestic stage. They will now face former Warrington head coach Daryl Powell’s Wakefield Trinity, with the two sides having won one league meeting apiece this season.
Nolan said his ambition is to help create a stronger future for the professional and community game.
“If we can inspire more people to fall in love with rugby league, we’ll create a stronger future for everyone connected with the game.”
He added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for rugby league. Attendances and online engagement are growing here, the world is taking notice of the sport, and we have every right to be seen as one of the most exciting sports growth stories on the planet.”
For Warrington, the immediate focus is rather more straightforward – 6pm on Saturday, Old Trafford, and 80 minutes separating the Wolves from potential Super League glory.
The Grand Final kicks off at 6pm on Saturday, October 3, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
