Grand Final 2023 stats breakdown

Wigan Warriors defeated Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford on Saturday, ending a five year wait to once again be crowned Betfred Super League Champions.

The 2023 Grand Final was a low scoring affair with Wigan's Liam Marshall crossing for the only try of the game at the Theatre of Dreams.

As well as his match winning try, Marshall also ran for 133 metres from an impressive 22 carries - and it was a similar story across the Warriors back line.

Jai Field ran for more metres than any other player on Saturday Night - the full back ran for 229 metres from 20 carries, along with two-line breaks and four tackle busts.

The rest of the Warriors' back five also ran for over 100 metres - Toby King (172), Abbas Miski (138) and Harry Sunderland winner Jake Wardle (148) all playing their part in the Warriors Grand Final victory. 

In fact, Wigan's back five made significantly more metres than their opposite numbers, carrying for 820 metres compared to Catalans 533 metres. The Dragons lost both Adam Keighran and Tom Davies to sin bins, an unwelcome disruption to their three-quarter line.

Elsewhere, Wigan's Harry Smith played a major role with the boot. Smith kicked three goals from the tee and ended the game with 554 kick metres - an important contribution in the games territorial battle.  

"Everyone trusts you & everyone loves you." ??

Captain Liam Farrell pays tribute to @WiganWarriorsRL head coach Matt Peet inside the Old Trafford changing rooms following their #GrandFinal victory ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/AmYCQ4hcRw

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 16, 2023

Overall, there was little to split the two sides. They shared an even split of possession and had marginally different completion rates, with the Dragons 89% slightly ahead of the Warriors 86%. 

Catalans also enjoyed more possession in the oppositions half of the field but were unable to break down the Warriors' resolute defence. 

The Dragons managed to break Wigan's line just once through a Tyrone May break, whereas Wigan ended the evening with seven line breaks, with the aforementioned Jai Field and Player of the Match Jake Wardle contributing with two line-breaks a piece.

Morgan Smithies led the charge in the Warriors defensive line, making a game best 55 tackles during a lung-busting 80 minute display through the middle. 

Warriors skipper Liam Farrell (49) and Kaide Ellis (42) both notched up impressive tackle counts during a typically gritty Wigan defensive performance.

In total, Wigan made 379 tackles compared to Catalans' 322. The cracks in the Dragons defensive line were apparent with Steve McNamara's side missing 47 tackles compared to the Warriors 23 missed tackles - a telling stat in the outcome of the contest. 

Ultimately, it was the Warriors who were deserved victors on Saturday Night. Both sides played their part in an unforgettable year with Wigan bowing out as 2023 Super League Champions.