The 2024 Super League Grand Final may be bittersweet for Warrington Wolves fans, as their team narrowly missed out on the prestigious event. However, Warrington will still have representation at Old Trafford, thanks to local talent and former Wolves players who will take the field in the showdown between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.
One key figure is 21-year-old Warrington-born Tom Forber, a hooker for Wigan Warriors. Forber, who played his junior rugby at Rylands Sharks and later at St Helens’ Blackbrook, has become a crucial member of Wigan’s squad. Despite his young age, he made ten appearances for the Warriors this season, scoring his first Super League try in a Round 24 victory against Catalans Dragons. As Wigan looks to defend their title, Forber’s recent performances from the bench have made him a contender to feature in the final.
Forber isn’t the only one with Warrington ties in the Grand Final. Former Wolves players Jake Wardle, Peta Hiku, and George King are also set to play pivotal roles in the match. Wardle, who briefly shone at Warrington in a loan spell from Huddersfield Giants at the end of 2022, has since made a name for himself at Wigan. After joining the club permanently in 2023, Wardle has earned a spot in the Super League Dream Team for two consecutive seasons and is expected to make a strong impact in the final.
On the opposing side, Hull KR’s Peta Hiku will line up against Wardle in the centres. Hiku, who had a brief yet impressive stint at Warrington in 2017, scored 10 tries in 11 games during his time at the club. Since leaving to return to New Zealand, Hiku has built a successful career in both the NRL and Super League. This season, he has scored 16 tries in 31 games, including a try against his former club during Hull KR’s Round 20 victory over Warrington.
Also in contention for Hull KR is George King, another former Warrington player and the older brother of current Wolves centre Toby King. George King, who made 95 appearances for Warrington, has been with Hull KR since 2020. However, his time with the club is coming to an end, as he is expected to join Huddersfield Giants next season.
With several Warrington connections on the field, fans of the Wolves may find solace in cheering for their former players as they battle for Super League glory in today’s Grand Final.
