Grand Final: Ashton chasing Wolves history

Matty Ashton admits he is feeling surprisingly calm ahead of the biggest game of Warrington Wolves' season.

The Wolves will make their fifth Grand Final appearance on Saturday as they bid to finally get their hands on the Super League trophy.

Having fallen short on previous occasions, Sam Burgess' side now have another opportunity to create history and end the club's long wait for a maiden Grand Final success.

Ashton, one of the competition's most exciting wingers, says the focus has been on embracing the occasion without getting carried away by it:

“I’m feeling quite relaxed. We know how big the week is and how big the game is but trying to keep nice and calm before the big day."

Warrington booked their place at Old Trafford after edging past Leeds Rhinos in a dramatic semi-final that went right down to the final moments.

The Wolves looked to have done enough, only for Leeds to create one last opportunity as the hooter sounded. Like everyone inside the stadium, Ashton watched on as Jake Connor lined up a difficult conversion attempt that could have forced Golden Point extra time.

Thankfully for Warrington, it drifted wide.

“It was a tough game to play. It came down to the wire in the end, which wasn't probably nice for a lot of fans and our players. I thought Jake Connor was going to nail that kick. Even though it was very far out, I still thought Jake Connor had it in him to nail it.

“So, it's kind of relief more than anything that we got the job done, but now it's a fresh start leading into the weekend."

With the semi-final behind them, attention now turns to Rugby League’s biggest night in the calendar.

For Ashton, a player whose pace and try-scoring ability have made him one of Warrington's key attacking threats, running out in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd is something he has imagined since childhood:

“Just the atmosphere and the spectacle itself is amazing. It's something people like me have dreamt of as a kid, so it'd be nice to play and it's an opportunity for us to get our hands on that trophy."

Adding further motivation for the Wolves is the chance to send off several popular figures in the perfect fashion.

Captain George Williams, as well as loyal servants Toby King and Joe Philbin are among those preparing for their final appearances for the club. Between them they have provided years of service to Warrington, and Ashton admits lifting the trophy alongside them would make the occasion even more special:

“It’s massive. The players that are leaving - they all bring something different. We’re a really connected group this year, and we've got players in there who have played at the club for 13, 14 years, who give their heart and souls to the club, so it would be great to send them off with a bit of silverware.”

For Ashton and Warrington, the task is simple. One final performance stands between the Wolves and a place in club folklore.

Having fallen short in each of their previous Grand Final appearances, Warrington now have the chance to lift the Super League trophy for the first time and secure the club's first league championship since 1955...

Warrington Wolves will face Wakefield Trinity in the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final on Saturday 3 October (K.O. 6pm). Don't miss Rugby League's biggest night and get your tickets here!