Although Warrington Wolves star George Williams won’t be on the coveted pitch on Saturday, he knows what it takes to win a Super League Grand Final.
Williams has two Grand Final winners’ rings from his seven years with Grand Finalists Wigan Warriors, getting to lift the Super League trophy in 2016 and 2018.
The Wolves came close to getting themselves to Old Trafford this year too, Williams sending the Halliwell Jones into pandemonium when they beat St Helens in the eliminators with a golden-point drop-goal but then losing out in an agonisingly close 10-8 loss to Hull KR, who head to Super League’s biggest match for the first time in their history.
Williams will be Sky Sports Rugby League’s studio guest for the huge event on Saturday and has taken a walk down memory lane to relive just what it is like to experience Grand Final week as a player, how to approach such an occasion, and what he thinks will happen in the Super League Grand Final 2024.
The nerves: Waiting in the Old Traffold tunnel…
One thing that players have to deal with heading into one of the biggest days of their playing career is keeping the nerves at bay and for Williams, there is no moment when they are more prevalent than those final few moments in the tunnel.
Stood waiting with bated breath, you have just a few seconds to close your eyes, breathe, and take in the moment before the noise of a packed out Old Trafford hits you.
“I think the tunnel is probably the most nerve-wracking part, that is where the nerves hit you” said Williams.
“But when you come out it is just the roar and all the hooters going off. It is pretty special to walk out at a Grand Final.
“I always try to walk out with a smile on my face and try and lap it all up.”
A week to go: How to prepare for the moment
While the nerves are at their most heightened on game day, there is a different feeling about the week’s preparation on Grand Final week.
Indeed, while players try to enjoy the experience of a week not many professional rugby league players are lucky enough to experience, they have to also work to keep the nerves at bay when there is so much on the line.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I was nervous (in the week building up),” he said.
“I have been lucky enough to play in four Grand Finals but I am always nervous leading up to it.
“You obviously don’t want to change too much and do what has been working to get you there.
“Bur when it means so much to win and there is so much at stake, the nerves do creep in at the back end of the week.
“As much as you do want to enjoy the week, the nerves probably do take over at certain stages.”
Wigan’s experience: Will it be the difference?
Turning attention to Saturday’s Grand Final, one thing being discussed heavily is how major a factor Wigan’s experience on the big stage will be, finals a regular occurrence for Matt Peet’s side at the moment.
Williams’ Warrington Wolves lost 18-8 to the Warriors in June’s Challenge Cup final and having been on the receiving end of how much their experience comes to the fore when the pressure is on, he believes it cannot be underestimated.
“I think (experience) was a big factor in Wigan beating us this year in the Challenge Cup final,” Williams said.
“It will be a big strength of theirs going into the final. They have been involved in so many finals recently so I am backing Wigan to just have that little bit more calmness, especially at the start of the game.
“They have been there plenty over the last couple of years. For Hull KR it is new, they have never won it, so there will be a bit, not pressure, but into the unknown.
“Wigan will definitely have the edge with that side of things.”
French and Lewis will delight the crowd
A battle that has been talked about a lot is the one between 2023 Man of Steel Bevan French and 2024 Man of Steel Mikey Lewis.
They are players with star power, an eye for the game unlike others, and an ability to send the Old Trafford crowd into pandemonium if they manage to show their talents in a huge moment – skills Williams thinks could decide who ends up lifting the trophy after 80 minutes.
“I think the obvious one is Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, winner of the Man of Steel and he has had a great year,” he said.
“I think he will play a big part for Hull KR if they can win.
“Then, for Wigan, Bevan French. They are both two great players in our competition so I reckon those two will maybe be the difference and the standouts.”
Williams’ Super League Grand Final 2024 prediction
With the final just days away and so much to play for, who does Williams think walks away as Super League champions?
“My prediction is Wigan to win by eight just due to the experience, having been on the big stage numerous times over the last 18 months.
“I am going for a Wigan win.”
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+ and Main Event from 5pm.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TVstreaming service NOW and the Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
