Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have started a new stranglehold on the Super League crown.
The two north west heavyweights clearly now rule the roost and have made their intentions quite clear with some breathtaking performances of late.
Former champions Leeds Rhinos are on the slide and Saints are in transition, leaving Wigan and Warrington as the undisputed dominant forces in the game.
Just 12 miles along the A49 separate two proud towns where rugby league is a religion and very much a way of life.
Things could not be any tighter at the top of Super League right now with these two up there challenging and trading punches.
They’ve been there throughout the season and will also meet later this month in what promises to be an epic Challenge Cup quarter-final.
The hottest ticket in town is currently the one to see this game. Both clubs are crammed with top-class international stars and match winners from both this country and overseas.
Wigan and Warrington have always enjoyed fierce rivalry going back to the time when they played at Wilderspool and Central Park.
Time has moved on – both now play in brand new stadiums and these clubs are certainly setting standards for others to follow.
M.E.N. Sport today analyses and assesses what makes the Warriors and the Wolves tick ahead of the end-of-season play-offs.
The stage could be set for the Grand Final at Old Trafford to be between these two stand-out teams who have taken Super League to new limits this term.
Wigan Warriors
Season so far
Victory over Castleford in midweek helped Warriors regain top spot. The aim is to finish there and to return to Old Trafford for the defence of
the Grand Final crown.
Prospects
According to Sam Tomkins, he and his team-mates are totally focused on being back at Old Trafford. Coach Michael Maguire vowed to achieve this
when he told his players earlier in the year he would be returning to Australia at the end of the season. Wigan look a good bet for more success.
Strengths
It’s often said you should never, ever bet against Wigan. They can be 15/20 points in arrears but there’s a never-say-die attitude within the squad, especially with the likes of Thomas Leuluai, the Tomkins brothers and skipper Sean O’Loughlin in the mix.
Weaknesses
Wigan have turned in some poor first-half performances and have also let some big leads slip. Rival teams are no longer in awe of the Warriors and their tackling technique continues to rile the opposition at times – notably Wakefield coach John Kear, a regular bleater.
Star man
Look no further than the mercurial Sam Tomkins. He’s phenomenal. Salford’s Steve Simms is a big
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