The eagerly anticipated England v Samoa Test series is almost upon us, and here is a look at how some of the England players performed in this year’s Betfred Super League Grand Final.
Wigan Warriors made history by becoming the first team in the Super League era to hold all four major trophies (the quadruple), as well as winning back-to-back Super League Grand Finals for the first time in the club’s history.
Their lethal left edge enjoyed strong performances on Saturday night. Super League’s top try scorer Liam Marshall ran for 139 metres in 24 carries and made five tackle busts, while Jake Wardle ran 117 metres in just 14 carries, and very nearly claimed his side’s second try of the night - but the video referee ruled no try.
Will this perfect pair be lining up together against Samoa in two weeks’ time?
Ethan Havard impressed in his second consecutive Grand Final and made a mammoth 52 tackles in just 53 minutes. Likewise, his teammate Luke Thompson also put an incredible defensive shift in – completing 48 tackles. Thompson also made 145 metres - the second highest behind Jai Field.
Once again Junior Nsemba starred in a Wigan win - despite having to leave the field for a Head Injury Assessment in the early stages of the game. Nsemba made 24 tackles in 66 minutes and ran 97 metres.
Could we see Nsemba running out in an England shirt for the first time ever on October 28?
Then, Harry Smith’s strong kicking game helped the Warriors retain their Champions title, with nine attacking kicks and a crucial drop goal in the first forty.
In defeat, Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Mikey Lewis made the second most metres in the Hull KR side (146), and was responsible for the Robins’ only two points on the night.
KR's captain Elliot Minchella made a massive 59 tackles to restrict Wigan to minimal points – and this was the highest amount of tackles made by any player this year at Old Trafford.
As the Betfred Super League concludes for 2024, attention now fully turns to the upcoming international fixtures...
Have you got your tickets yet for the England v Samoa Test series at The Brick Community Stadium in Wigan on Sunday 27 October and AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds on Saturday 2 November?
Tickets for the England v Samoa two-game Test series are available to buy now at rugby-league.com/tickets with prices starting per test match from £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s.
The new England RL shirt can also be purchased now from Oxen’s Elite Pro Sports online store.
