The Wolves established a commanding 16-2 lead during the first half with three tries in seven minutes from Joel Monaghan, Simon Grix and Ben Westwood.
They were on course for their first championship in 58 years in Adrian Morley, Garreth Carvell and Mike Cooper’s final game for the club.
But Tony Smith’s men lost Joel Monaghan to concussion shortly before half-time following a clash with fellow Aussie winger Richards.
Monaghan was stretched off and whisked to hospital, and Warrington never recovered as Wigan conjured an amazing second-half turnaround.
Shaun Wane’s Warriors hit back with a try from Darrell Goulding in the 38th minute and momentum shifted massively in their favour as they ran in 28 unanswered points.
Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum burrowed over from acting half eight minutes after the restart.
The Wolves lost full-back Stefan Ratchford to injury in the 50th minute and Josh Charnley touched down before Blake Green and Richards applied further scores.
Cue delirium in one half of the Theatre of Dreams as coach Wane, a born and bred Wiganer, celebrated the best day of his career. He said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling and the character we showed in the second half was outstanding.”
It was a dream send-off for departing trio Sam Tomkins, Richards and Lee Mossop, who are all heading to the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers and Parramatta respectively.
Tomkins said: “It’s a fairytale ending and it’s the greatest day of my life.”
Wigan added to their Challenge Cup success by becoming the first team to complete the double since St Helens in 2006, and they became only the third side to overturn an interval deficit in a Grand Final.
Wolves coach Smith said: “It hurts and we’ll be back next year having another go, but at the moment it’s sore.”
Article source: http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/arsenal/169260/arsenal-bring-in-ex-ireland-rugby-pro-jerry-flannery-as-new-strength-and-conditioning-coach.html
Rugby League: Warrington 16 - Wigan 30: It"s Grand for Shaun Wane"s Wigan ...
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