This could be the last chance the Wolves’ old master Lee Briers has to savour Grand Final glory.
And the veteran stand-off will be vital to his team in calming things down in what should be a full-blooded contest with a Wigan side who fully deserve to be at Old Trafford after the impressive way they broke Leeds’ grip on the trophy on Friday night.
The game needs a high-quality finale after the Wembley Challenge Cup flop in August and I don’t think they will let us down. These are the two best teams in Super League so it’s a dream match and both sides have much more to offer than they showed in the semi-finals.
The Wolves lost to Leeds in last year’s Grand Final because they became frustrated by the Rhinos’ defensive strengths and organisation. If they try to blow Wigan away in the first 20 minutes they could come unstuck again.
They have to be patient and that’s where Briers, 35, comes in.
His kicking game and organisation skills are vital components in a Warrington side that is the most balanced in the competition.
I just feel the Wolves have that extra bit of quality in the backs which will get them over the line on Saturday.
On top of that they have a big threat round the rucks through hookers Mickey Higham and Michael Monaghan. Higham always gets the Wolves on the front foot with his running from dummy-half and when Michael Monaghan comes on to replace him, the Australian tends to dominate the game. Wigan have to be aware of that.
But if a very robust Wigan pack can get on top, scrum-half Matty Smith will have a big influence on the result.
Smith has been a stand-out for Wigan this season and has to be a shoo-in for England in the World Cup.
Wigan will have Sam Tomkins making his last appearance for the club before heading to the NRL and this is the perfect stage for the best broken-field runner in the game to bow out as the Warriors go for the Double.
Article source: http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/rugby-accies-derby-distress-against-heriot-s-1-3117604
Lee Briers can grab glory at last for Warrington
No comments:
Post a Comment