Freddie Flintoff backs Wigan for Grand Final glory

Former England cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is backing Wigan to beat Warrington in Saturday’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Flintoff, 40, hails from Preston and was granted the freedom of the city the year after helping England win back the Ashes from Australia.

He actually went head to head with a number of Warrington stars, including Ben Westwood, in a charity cricket match back in 2013 at Grappenhall.

Now a TV and broadcast regular, Flintoff predicts four sporting events each weekend on the Betstars blog, and got three out of four correct last weekend.

He said: “Now we’re talking. You can’t beat a bit of rugby- and I’m talking about the proper kind, not the posh one.

“I used to go watch Wigan quite a bit and I knew the fitness coach, so I would go and train at their facility. Those guys are machines! I’d never take my shirt off when I was in the gym with them- but only because I didn’t want to show them up!

“I’ve had some top nights out in Wigan too. Always plenty of Northern Soul and fancy dress going on. Last time I went out I was dressed like it was the 70s, and I’ve got a feeling Warrington haven’t been champions since that era. Wigan all the way!”