Wigan Warriors backed by cricket legend Flintoff and Manchester United great Carrick!

Manchester United great Carrick, now a coach at Old Trafford, explained why he will be watching from afar.

“I’m a big Wigan fan, I’ve been to two finals and they’ve lost both so they’re better off not having me there,” he told BBC’s North West Tonight.

“I went to the Saints game and the Leeds game, and they lost both. So I’m staying away.”

Meanwhile, former England cricketer Flintoff is tipping Shaun Wane’s men to beat Warrington - and used his Betstar blog to reminisce about nights out in the town and his time training with former Wigan favourite Steve Hampson.

“You can’t beat a bit of rugby - and I’m talking about the proper kind, not the posh one,” he said.

“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!”