Warrington Wolves vs. Wigan Warriors: Likely Match-Winners in Super League Final

Whoever comes out on top of the occasion, Saturday’s Super League Grand Final promises to go down as an incredibly special event for either Warrington or Wigan.

For the Wolves, it’s a chance at making up for the errors that saw them lose to Leeds in last year's final, while the Warriors are chasing an elusive cup double, something that’s only been achieved twice in the last decade (Bradford in 2003 and St. Helen’s in 2006).

However, to ensure that it’s their star-studded crew that emerge victorious, there are several very key figures who must turn up for Warrington and Wigan this weekend.

We take a look at those who have the potential to turn the screw almost single-handedly.

Sam Tomkins

Playing in his final match for Wigan before heading for pastures new with the New Zealand Warriors, Sam Tomkins will want to give Super League rugby the best farewell he can muster this weekend.

The 2012 Man of Steel has scored 23 tries so far this summer and showed with his last-gasp score in the Challenge Cup final just how easily he can make the difference for his side.

That being said, the 24-year-old will be going up against Europe’s finest defence on Saturday, given that Warrington have conceded just 461 points this season, meaning even Tomkins will find it tough to make the necessary line breaks.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the full-back did acknowledge that if he were to return to England, there’s no other side he’d want to play for other than Wigan.

Joel Monaghan

The Wire’s most important player on his day, Joel Monaghan was an omnipresent force for his club in their Challenge Cup efforts this season, playing a similar hand in the Super League.

With 25 tries to his name already, the winger will be expected to come off his flank as he often does, looking to add to his tally.

As good a finisher as he is himself, Monaghan will also be responsible for inspiring the likes of Lee Briers and Richie Myler into action, with the Australian among the Wolves’ most reliable leaders.

Josh Charnley

Appearing in his first-ever Super League Grand Final, Saturday marks a massive occasion for Josh Charnley, who is set to finish this campaign as Europe’s highest scorer.

Despite being just 22 years of age, the youngster has managed to surpass his try count of 31 from last season and is currently on 33 for the term, claiming his second consecutive top scorer if he can hold out for one more game.

If the Wigan centres can open up the slightest bit of room, one can bet that Charnley will be sniffing around to exploit it, providing a threat that Warrington will need to cage.