A CLASSIC it wasn’t...as I predicted!

There were 34 players out there whose priority was to pick up that trophy and a Super League ring come 80mins…not just to entertain. As I also predicted it would be Wigan’s defence that would be too good for Warrington to win their first ever title in the Super League era. Holding the Wolves to just one single try, the Warriors claimed the ultimate prize.

It was always going to be a special night for Wigan, with several key figures leaving the club after the final, none more significant than their Head Coach Shaun Wane.

Despite being our most fierce rivals from over the hill, you can’t help but respect what Waney has contributed over his 30-year career as both player and coach. His passion in the Saints-Wigan derbies will certainly be missed. A personal friend of mine, I wish him all the very best in his new role with Scotland RU.

Staying on the Grand Final, I think any rugby fan would be absolutely delighted to see Dom Manfredi back doing what he does best, scoring two tries in a brilliant personal performance, following almost two years on the sidelines after an horrific knee injury. We want to see the best players in the Betfred Super League on the field, doing what they do best no matter who they play for.

From a Warrington point of view, their quest for this elusive title goes on! After scoring first via former Wigan favourite Josh Charnley, the Wolves failed to break the Warriors try-line again. One guy deserving of special praise is Harry Sunderland winner Stefan Ratchford. Stef continuously caused the Wigan defence problems with his elusive return of the ball, but unfortunately they couldn’t turn this into points.

Back to Saints, I’m sure Saturday was tough watching for all the players and staff after falling one game short of making Old Trafford. However, onwards and upwards now as they look forward to a successful 2019 going at least one game further in both competitions.

With several names moving on from the TWS, recruitment has been strong, including three genuine NRL stars Lachlan Coote, Kevin Naiqama and Joseph Paulo, alongside former York City Knights youngster Joe Batchelor.

With this, Betfred again make Saints favourites for glory in 2019. They are 7/2 to go on to win the 2019 Betfred Super League Grand Final, with finalists Wigan and Warrington 4/1, beaten semi-finalists Castleford 5/1. I personally can’t see anybody outside these four, but if you do then the title sponsors have Leeds 10/1, Hull FC 12/1, Huddersfield 20/1, Wakefield 25/1, both Salford and Hull KR 66/1, with Super League new boys London Broncos rank outsiders at 200/1!

One team maybe worth a shout are current Challenge Cup holders Catalan Dragons. Following a successful 2018 and some good recruitment, they look like being a force next season – and are 16/1 at Betfred to lift the game’s biggest prize!

See you next season!