WARRINGTON Wolves head coach Sam Burgess and captain George Williams have urged their side to embrace the occasion as the countdown continues to Saturday’s Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
The Wolves were at the home of Manchester United today as preparations stepped up for what promises to be one of the biggest nights in the club’s recent history.
Warrington will face Wakefield Trinity on Saturday evening knowing victory would end a 71-year wait for a league championship and secure the club’s first Super League title.
The Wolves booked their place in the showpiece with a dramatic 14-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, Ewan Irwin’s second-half penalty ultimately proving decisive.
For Burgess, reaching the Grand Final represents the fulfilment of an objective set at the beginning of the season.
“We’ve got to go and make the most of it,” Burgess said after the semi-final.
He added: “We want to enjoy it. We want to enjoy the week and make the most of it and get our best performance on the field.”
The Warrington boss also admitted the tension of the semi-final had got to him, saying he was “totally nervous” because he wanted his players to experience another week together at the end of the season.
Williams: “We don’t want any regrets”
For Wolves captain George Williams, Saturday’s Grand Final will have an added significance.
The 31-year-old is preparing to leave Warrington at the end of the season to join the Dolphins in the NRL, meaning Old Trafford will be his final appearance in Wolves colours.
Williams says he is determined to leave the club with no regrets.
“I made a commitment to myself that I’d do everything I could, that I’d leave with no regrets and here we are, the big one,” he said.
Reflecting on the semi-final, Williams said the Wolves had shown the resilience required to win tight matches.
“We’ve been connected all year… we just found a way to win, and that’s what good teams do.”
And while Warrington’s performance against Leeds was far from perfect, Williams believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“You’re always chasing performance, but ultimately you’d rather play bad and win than play good and lose.”
Saturday’s contest will be historic whichever way it goes.
Neither Warrington nor Wakefield has previously won the Super League title, guaranteeing a new name on the trophyfor the second consecutive year following Hull KR’s breakthrough triumph in 2025.
It is also the first time in the history of the Super League Grand Final that none of St Helens, Leeds Rhinos or Wigan Warriors will contest the showpiece.
For Warrington, however, the focus is much simpler.
After finishing eighth and missing the play-offs last season, Burgess has guided the Wolves all the way to Old Trafford.
Now they are 80 minutes away from ending one of rugby league’s longest waits.
Williams knows what is at stake.
“It would be history. A lot of Warrington teams have been here before and fell at this final stage. We’ll do everything we can… and give it our best crack next week.”
Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity
Betfred Super League Grand Final
Old Trafford – Saturday, October 3
Kick-off: 6pm
