Farrell living the dream

Wigan’s Liam Farrell, who was today announced in the England World Cup squad, is living his childhood dream by having the chance to complete a Challenge Cup and Super League double this weekend.

The locally-born second row is Warriors through and through, so having the chance to help them on the biggest stage of all is something he is very proud of.

“Early in my career I set myself the target of starting in a Challenge Cup final and a Super League Grand Final,” explained the 23-year-old. “So hopefully I will achieve that dream on Saturday.”

It is very modest of Farrell to merely hope for a place in the starting line-up against Warrington, as his consistency alongside fellow second rower Harrison Hansen has made him one of the stand out performers of 2013.

Since his last appearance at Old Trafford, coming off the interchange bench in 2010, Farrell has become one of the club’s key players, and he admits that this time around he is taking the build-up of Grand Final week a lot more in his stride.

“Compared to three years ago I feel a lot more comfortable. I may only be 23 but I am a lot more experienced and I know exactly what is required of me.

“Playing alongside Harrison is also a big help. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves and people only seem to take any notice when he puts in a superhuman performance like he did against Leeds last week.

“He never seems to miss a tackle and I know he is one of the first names on the teamsheet – which is quite an achievement with squad we’ve got.”

Farrell, who was named man of the match when Wigan and Warrington first met this season, knows exactly what to expect from the Wolves.

“Warrington rely on their forwards quite a lot, and when they get rolling they are hard to stop, especially with the kicking game they’ve got.

“We play with quite a different style and I think that is why our games against each other are so good to watch.”