Wood hails remarkable Wigan

James Gordon

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood hailed Wigan following their Super League Grand Final win over Warrington on Saturday.

The Warriors fought back from 16-2 down shortly before half time to clinch the 2013 title and become only the third club to complete a Super League and Challenge Cup double.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Wigan Warriors on their success in winning a classic Super League Grand Final and on their fine achievement in adding the Super League trophy to  the Tetley’s Challenge Cup they won at Wembley in August.

“The nature of Wigan’s win was remarkable: to come back from 16-2 down showed great character and fortitude and is a credit to all the players and their head coach Shaun Wane, who must have delivered an inspiring half-time address to his team.

“The atmosphere at the Grand Final was electric, especially in the second half when Wigan staged a comeback that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.

“The ‘Theatre of Dreams’ once again lived up to its reputation as a terrific stage for sporting drama of the highest order, and I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Manchester United for the Grand Final to remain at the stadium until at least 2017.

“Old Trafford has a long-standing tradition of bringing out the best in great players and I am sure that will be the case when we return to the stadium on Saturday November 30 for the World Cup final.

“We are very fortunate indeed that after witnessing one of the best Super League Grand Finals of all time we now have the opportunity to catch the compelling drama of RLWC2013 and I hope that everyone who watched the excitement of Wigan’s defeat of Warrington, either in person at Old Trafford or on Sky Sports, will take the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup at first hand.”

The World Cup begins with a double header at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff later this month.

England take on Australia and Wales face Italy to kick-off the tournament on Saturday October 26.