Shaun Wane: It would mean absolutely everything to win Grand Final

Wigan coach Shaun Wane said it would be one of his career highlights if they win the Grand Final in his final game in charge.

The Warriors beat Castleford Tigers 14-0 in the semi-final at the DW Stadium on Friday night and they will now face Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final next Saturday, October 13.

Wane will leave the club at the end of the season and he admitted that he got emotional in his last game at the DW Stadium.

He said: “It would mean absolutely everything if I could finish off with a win in the Grand Final.

“I don’t cry very often but I did out there. It was emotional and it has been a very tough last few weeks. I definitely didn’t want to finish my time here tonight. I’ve driven out of Old Trafford as a winner and a loser and there is only one way to go out on that coach and that is why we didn’t celebrate much tonight. It is all about next week.

“I’m very close to my players, I class them as my mates. We socialise as friends, we have tough conversations at times and I’m sure with this set of players, it would be one of the best achievements if I could finish my time here with a win.

“I’m very proud and very pleased. Castleford are a good team and we showed a lot of desire in defence to keep them out. I didn’t give a damn about whether our performance was good or bad, but as long as we won the game then that was it.”

Wigan beat Warrington in the 2016 Super League Grand Final and Wane revealed he had plenty of highs and lows during that year.

He added: “I remember that year and I remember that season.

“We were under pressure fort 10 or 11 weeks because we were having stuff said about us and we had injuries like you couldn’t imagine.

“There was no let up and it was a very in-house win that one, because we were very much under the pump that year. We got beat 8-6 by Widnes that year and we got hammered by people but we went on to win the Grand Final, so it was enjoyable.

“Warrington were good against Saints (on Thursday). We are going to have to be better with the ball if we are to beat them next week but we are happy to beat a fantastic team in Castleford. It is up to whoever wants it the most next week.”

Wane revealed that Tony Clubb left the field with a tight calf but thinks he will be fine to play at Old Trafford next Saturday.