Fairytale finish for proud Wigan boss Shaun Wane

Wigan coach Shaun Wane admitted the perfect ending to his time at Wigan was never in doubt.

The Warriors beat Warrington Wolves 12-4 in the 2018 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday.

It was Wane’s last game in charge of the club before he moves onto pastures new with Scotland rugby union – and he was very emotional and proud after the full-time hooter.

He said: “I’m not going to put myself in a bad mood thinking about the performance – but it is the perfect end.

“There was too much effort and desire in the team, so I don’t think we were ever going to lose it and that is no disrespect to Warrington.

“The only way to drive out of Old Trafford is with a ring and a cup and we’ve done that. I’m so pleased for all of my staff who have put up with me for many years and I’m not easy to work with and players – past and present – have made my time here very special.

“Losing the game wouldn’t have defined my career. I’m happy with what I have done for the club and I think I have made a difference – history-wise and in the players’ lives – but it feels better that we have won. I’m going to have a good month on the drink!”

Dom Manfredi scored two tries to help Wigan win the Grand Final in just his fifth game back following a two-year injury lay-off.

And Wane was made up for the Academy product, who was close to quitting the game earlier this year.

Wane said: “When Dom scored his second try, I was so happy for him considering the place where he has been and I thought he was outstanding.

“I’m hoping he is the big story because he is a special kid and I have a place in my heart for him. He has been through some tough places and he was emotional in the changing rooms.

“The injuries that he had were very serious and if that would have happened again then I would have been very nervous. I watched on as though he was one of my own kids playing in his first game back and I had my heart in my mouth.

“To see him come back and score the tries he did was special.”