Manchester, United Kingdom: English rugby league’s fiercest rivals will clash once again when St Helens face defending champions Wigan in the Super League Grand Final at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground on Saturday.
There are barely eight miles (12.8km) between the two Lancashire towns, making this weekend’s clash not just a matter of deciding the Super League champions, but a contest for local pride.
For the players involved, and especially those from overseas, it can all be a bit overwhelming, but Wigan full-back Matty Bowen hopes his previous experience will stand him in good stead.
Bowen arrived in Europe earlier this year with big boots to fill, replacing 2012 Man of Steel Sam Tomkins after the latter’s switch to the NRL and New Zealand Warriors.
After more than a decade with North Queensland Cowboys, Bowen endeared himself to the supporters and earned international acclaim, but no NRL titles.
The 32-year-old called time on that quest and went in search of the Super League crown instead — now just St Helens stand in his way.
And Bowen, who lost the 2005 NRL Grand Final with the Cowboys to Wests Tigers, knows the magnitude of Saturday’s showdown as Wigan, who also won the Challenge Cup last season, go on the hunt for silverware once again.
“Some players are different but for me I try and relax,” said Bowen.
“If you get too excited at the start of the week you can go into a game drained out. Chances like this don’t come around often, so I’m going to take it with both hands.
“I’ve had messages from back home, they’re getting up early in the morning to watch it.
“I’m looking forward to it. I just want to play well this weekend for the Wigan fans and for ourselves.”
