Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane determined to avoid third straight Grand Final defeat

By Michael Kelleher

Shaun Wane is hoping for a more enjoyable outcome after losing his last two Super League Grand Finals when his Wigan team play Warrington

Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane says his side are determined to avoid a third consecutive Grand Final defeat when they take on Warrington Wolves on Saturday.

Wane's side will be competing in the showpiece event at Old Trafford for the fourth straight year after defeating Hull FC 28-18 on Friday.

But the last two seasons have ended with painful defeats to St Helens and Leeds Rhinos and Wigan have not lifted the trophy since defeating Warrington 30-16 in 2013.

Wane told Sky Sports News HQ: "All my players are pumped. They are all ready. We will train well this week. We had a great win last Friday and hopefully we can another one this Saturday.

"It is our fourth time here and we have only got one ring. There is only one way to go out of here and that is with the cup on the front seat of your coach.

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Tony Smith has stressed the importance of composure as his Warrington side gets set to face Wigan in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford

"It is a big one for us. I know it is a big challenge. Warrington are a very, very well-coached team with some very good athletes but we are finding a way to win at the moment.

"We have got a great spirit within the club and the lads are ready for a big game."

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Wigan head into the game with at least five first-team players with Sam Tomkins, Dominic Manfredi, Tony Clubb, Joel Tomkins and Michael McIlorum all sidelined through injury.

Image: Wigan's Sam Tomkins.

Despite the extensive injury list, Wane remains confident his depleted squad have what it takes to beat Warrington and the lifelong Manchester United fan cannot wait to lead his team out at Old Trafford for a fourth straight year.

"It is the best feeling in the world," Wane said. "There is no feeling like it. It is why you coach. I want to pit my team against a team as good as Warrington and a coach as good as Tony and say we have won.

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"To do that with so many young Wigan lads in my team will be fantastic. It is the first time for a few of our players and that will make it all the more special.

"To do it without people like Sam [Tomkins], Joel [Tomkins] and Mickey [McIlorum] and some big, big names in our team would be really special for us."

Image: Wigan Warriors skipper Sean O'Loughlin is 'touch and go' to play on Saturday

Captain Sean O'Loughlin, who tore a calf muscle in the warm-up to their home game against Catalans Dragons a fortnight ago, has a chance of playing if he can pass a fitness test  before he names his 19-man squad on Thursday.

Wane says O'Loughlin, who has not played for six weeks, is currently using an anti-gravity treadmill to work his way back from his injury. 

"He's very doubtful but I'll have a look at him this week," Wane said. "I'm not going to leave it until the last minute, if I'm not happy, then he'll be out.

"He's running but it's only on AlterG and I need to be convinced that he's bang on before I'll pick him. He's touch and go but, if there's any risk, I won't do it, I'm happy with the team I've got."

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