Warriors v Saints: Head to head

It's one of the most eagerly anticipated derby matches in rugby league - Wigan Warriors v St Helens. A match steeped in history and rivalry - two towns with no love lost between them - one match to become Super League 2020 champions.

We take a closer look at both sides heading into Friday's Grand Final and the key battles between the two teams. 

Meetings this season

Round 14 – AJ Bell Stadium: Warriors 0 – 42 Saints

A youthful, inexperienced Warriors side were outclassed by Saints during their first encounter in 2020. Warriors handed debuts to six academy graduates in a game that Saints comfortably won.

The Warriors were four days away from a semi-final Challenge Cup tie against Leeds Rhinos, forcing Adrian Lam to reshuffle his squad – keeping his senior players fresh and ready for the knockout contest.

For Saints, all eyes were on the league and they were able to field a near full strength squad - the difference in quality showing that evening as Saints romped past their rivals.

Round 19 – Totally Wicked Stadium: Saints 6 – 18 Warriors

Match of the year in Super League – so far. It was a full-blooded affair the last time these two sides met – a game that had it all. Outstanding skill, individual brilliance, and aggression which at times threatened to tip over the edge.

The round 19 contest was a battle for top spot and saw the Warriors finish victorious - moving them into pole position to secure the League Leaders’ Shield the following week.

Tempers rose as the game came to its conclusion - a Joe Greenwood high tackle on Matty Lees saw the Warriors backrower sent to the sin bin - leaving both sides fired up.

We should expect the two teams to pick up where they left off when they meet at the Grand Final on Friday night. And with the 2020 derbies at one a piece, both sides have the chance to earn the ultimate bragging rights.

We just saw a special game of rugby league 💯🔥

Congratulations to @WiganWarriorsRL & @Saints1890 on producing a brilliant advert for our sport 👏 #SuperLeague #SLStHWig pic.twitter.com/6PtEMSGM5P
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 30, 2020

End of season form

Wigan Warriors

The Warriors are the form team going into the Grand Final. Unbeaten in their last five matches, Adrian Lam’s men have been terrific and appear to be peaking at the perfect time.

A late Liam Farrell try secured victory against Warrington Wolves in round 15 and was a significant moment in the season for the Cherry and Whites. Since then, a conclusive victory over Salford Red Devils was followed by that memorable win against their old rivals.

Their final game of the regular season presented the Warriors with a chance to be crowned League Leaders’ for the first time since 2012. It was a performance far from flawless against the Huddersfield Giants – but a gritty win saw the Warriors finish top of the Super League table.

Their knockout tie against Hull FC last Thursday was clinical. The Warriors soaked up early pressure from the Black and Whites before executing a solid second half performance – starving Hull FC of chances, conceding no tries, and powering through to the Grand Final.

St Helens

Saints last five matches have been in no way perfect – yet they will be spurred on by their emphatic victory against Catalan Dragons which saw them sail into the Grand Final.

After two impressive wins against Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos, Kristian Woolf’s side fell short against Red Devils in round 18. However, the game was played just three days after Saints' victory against Leeds Rhinos, forcing Woolf to field a young and inexperienced team.

Saints ended the regular season in defeat against the Warriors which ultimately cost them a third successive League Leaders’ Shield. That loss will no doubt sit in the memory of the players as they head into Friday’s Grand Final.

Last week’s knock-out play-off fixture against the Dragons was a faultless Saints performance. A 48-2 victory saw Saints outclass their opponents in every department. The match was very physical - but Saints stood up to the challenge and overwhelmed their French opponents - progressing to the Grand Final in a similar vein to their local rivals and upcoming opponents.

INTERCEPTION 👋 @Saints1890 charging into the #GrandFinal like...

Live on @SkySportsRL Main Event & Mix #SuperLeague #SLStHCat pic.twitter.com/lZwQQDrx54
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 20, 2020

Key contests

Lachlan Coote v Bevan French

The two fullbacks have been instrumental to their sides success this year. The Man of Steel finalists are in different periods of their career with contrasting styles to one another on the field - but both are equally as effective.

The players share a mutual respect and admiration for one another’s game. French recognising Coote’s achievements in Super League and back home in Australia.

He said: “I enjoy watching Lachlan [Coote] and learning from him.

“His organisation skills are second to none. His support [play], pass selection and kicking game – he’s really got it all.”

The experienced Coote adds an extra dimension to Saints game. His kicking game is particularly important for Saints – Coote has made 90 kicks in general play this year compared to French’s 32 - and 44 attacking kicks.  

Coote’s threat lies in his ability to play around his halves - chiming into their attack and supporting a mobile Saints forward pack - creating opportunities for himself and teammates with his support play and passing game.

In contrast, French is a natural running threat. His ability lies in capitalising on any defensive frailties – reflected in the fullback topping the clean breaks and tackle busts charts this year.

Any space in a defensive line will be exploited by the explosive French – something that Coote is all too aware of.

“He can score tries from anywhere on the field,” he outlined.

And that’s proven. French came second in tries scored for the year and will look to pounce on any opportunities to take the line on during the Grand Final.

Jackson Hastings v Jonny Lomax

Two of the most dominant halves in Super League. These two men will have a huge say in which side comes out on top on Friday night.

Hastings has been a vocal admirer of Lomax whilst in the Super League - showing great respect whenever he’s discussed his opposition playmaker.

The two lined up together at the end of 2020 during Great Britain’s tour of the Southern Hemisphere – but there will be no love lost for 80 minutes when they face off in this years Grand Final.

Both players occupy their left edge and lead their team around the park. The two are similar in their ability to create chances but have subtle differences in the way they play their game.  

The younger Hastings constantly finds himself in the thick of the action - taking on the line and having his hands on the ball as much as possible. He tops the charts for carries in the regular season, an intriguing yet impressive feat from a half back.

Hastings has a lot more influence in his sides kicking game, his 117 kicks in general play and 66 attacking kicks a stark contrast to Lomax’s 18 and 11, respectively.

Lomax, however, is a player who creates. He tops the try assists leaderboard and is an integral part of Saints' creative output. His involvements are evidently less than Hastings, but he is equally as poignant whenever he is on the ball.

Saints spine includes Coote and Fages - two players who contribute to the teams long and short kicking game - freeing up Lomax to organise and dictate their go forward from behind.

Hastings and Lomax will undoubtedly be at the epicentre of their teams attack and leave their fingerprints on everything the two sides do well on Friday Night. But only one team can be victorious and leave the big dance as 2020 Super League champions. 

The #GrandFinal is decided! 🏆 @WiganWarriorsRL v @Saints1890

📺 Live on @SkySportsRL, Friday 27 November from 7pm #SuperLeague #SLStHCat pic.twitter.com/XZx8K23Dxf
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 20, 2020