Wigan Warriors boss reveals plan for crucial Super League Grand Final decision

boss says he will give captain as long as possible to prove his fitness for Old Trafford.

The ex-England second-row, 34, is a big doubt for Saturday’s title decider against Hull KR. He missed Warriors’ 38-0 semi-final rout of Leigh due to a virus and was absent from today’s Grand Final press conference. Aussie loose forward Kaide Ellis, who stood in as skipper at the weekend, took his place at the pre-match event.

Wigan aren't short of options given Sam Walters came straight into the starting 13 and scored two tries against Leigh. But the absence of experienced Farrell, who has won five Grand Finals with his hometown club, would be a big loss as they bid to win back-to-back Super League titles for the first time.

Peet said: “There's no particular update yet. We'll monitor him and see how he recovers from the virus. We will give him as long as we need. I’m confident if Sam [Walters] needs to play - he's coming off the back of a good performance which is good. But we all know about the experience Liam brings to the side."

Hull KR, meanwhile, appear to have no such problems as they welcome back their own captain Elliot Minchella from a two-game ban.

Rovers boss Willie Peters also confirmed ex-Wigan and England centre Oliver Gildart is fit and available meaning he has a decision to make over him and Jack Broadbent. He said: "Oli's coming along and he’ll be eligible. "It’s a good headache to have. As coaches you want to have those. We need to just sit down and work out who’s best for this game. The way Jack played on the weekend there's him and Oli. But him and Tom [Opacic] as well."

RL Commercial say they are expecting a crowd of more than 65,000, which will be the biggest Grand Final attendance since 2017. They have also signed a new three-year deal to keep staging the showpiece at Old Trafford until at least the end of 2027.

Elsewhere, Leeds have made a double signing from . They have recruited Samoa prop Keenan Palasia, 27, from Gold Coast Titans on a two-year deal. Boss Brad Arthur has also snapped up front-row Cooper Jenkins, 23, from Queensland side North Devils.

Meanwhile, St Helens and England second-row Tara Jones, 28, has retired from playing ahead of joining the RFL’s full-time match officials squad for 2025.