Ahead of the Super League Grand Final on October 12 at Old Trafford between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR, we take you through everything you need to know about the contest…
When and where does it take place?
The Grand Final is taking place on Saturday October 12, live on Sky Sports, with the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford once again the host venue for the blockbuster event.
Starting back in 1998, the Grand Final has always taken place at the home of Manchester United, with nine different teams having competed for the trophy.
St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves have experienced walking out of the tunnel but not all these teams have won it.
Indeed, only Wigan, Saints, Bradford, and Leeds have lifted the coveted trophy, the rest of Super League daring to dream they can one day join that very small list.
Who is competing in 2024?
We have a new Grand Finalist in 2024 as Hull KR made history for their club by getting to the big dance for the first time.
Willie Peters’ side finished second in the regular season and then ran out 10-8 winners in a nail-biting semi-final against Warrington Wolves.
The crowd was electric, the celebrations were jubilant, and they will be looking to bring that confidence to the biggest stage and etch a new name on the Grand Final trophy.
However, they have the toughest of outfits standing in their way.
Wigan Warriors is a club etched in history, and they are contesting their 13th Grand Final, six wins on the biggest of stages already under their belt.
If the Robins want to make history, they are going to have to beat history-makers.
Who is the favourite?
Hull KR have certainly been on fire this season. combining heroic defence like we saw in the semi-final with an off-the-cuff attack that catches even the best teams out.
However, the Warriors have to walk into the clash as the firm favourites.
Matt Peet’s side have the big game experience and know how to keep hold of Super League’s biggest trophy and have had the better of Hull KR at the end of this season.
They have also not had a point scored against them since they played the Robins at the beginning of September – talk about dominance.
Hull KR will be well in the contest though and have a win over Wigan this season that will give them huge confidence.
Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR: Head-to-head record
Previous meetings in 2024: April 26 – Wigan Warriors 10-26 Hull KR; May 18 (Challenge Cup) – Wigan 38-6 Hull KR; September 6 – Hull KR 20-24 Wigan Warriors.
Who are the previous winners?
Like we said earlier, there have been four teams who have kept a tight grip on the trophy…
What is the player of the match trophy?
Known as the Harry Sunderland Trophy from 1998 until 2023, the 2024 Grand Final will see the first Rob Burrow Award presented to the player of the match.
It was previously named after Sunderland who was a rugby league administrator both in the UK and Australia but the Rugby Football League Association announced in February that the player of the match award would be renamed to honour the late great Leeds Rhinos no 7 and MND campaigner.
Burrow was the first player ever to win the Harry Sunderland trophy twice and now the award is named after as a “show of our gratitude to Rob for being the player he was,” according to Rhodri Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial.
Who are the previous winners?
The list of winners is littered with big rugby league names and a lot of legends…
How to watch
The Super League Grand Final takes place at Old Trafford on Saturday October 12, live on Sky Sports.
The match will take place at 6pm, with coverage on Sky Sports from 5pm.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.