2001 Super League Grand Final

The 2001 Super League Grand Final was the Fourth official Grand Final and the conclusive and championship-deciding match of Super League VI. The match was held on Saturday 13 October 2001 at Old Trafford, Manchester, and was contested by Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors. Refereed by Stuart Cummings, 60,164 saw Bradford Bulls win 37 - 6.

2001 (2001) Super League Grand Final  ()
12 Total
BRA 2611 37
WIG 06 6
Date13 October 2001
StadiumOld Trafford
LocationEngland Manchester
Harry Sunderland TrophyRepublic of Ireland Michael Withers, ( Bradford Bulls)
RefereeStuart Cummings
Attendance60,164
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
← 2000
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Background

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Tetleys Super League VI was the fourth and final time the top five playoff system would be used and the first season relegation was reintroduced with Huddersfield Giants again finishing bottom and relegated. Bradford Bulls finished top for a third time.

Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts
1   Bradford Bulls 28 22 1 5 1120 474 +646 45
2   Wigan Warriors 28 22 1 5 989 494 +495 45

Route to the Final

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Bradford Bulls

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Bradford finished first in the table so they automatically qualified for the play-off semi-finals where they had a home time against Wigan at Odsal Stadium. Bradford won 24–18 to qualify for the Grand Final.

Wigan Warriors

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Wigan vs St Helens in the preliminary final

The play-off system in use only gave the league leaders a bye to the semi-finals. Wigan had finished second so had to play a qualifying play-off first. Drawn at home to Hull F.C. Wigan won a close game 27–24 to go through to the semi-final. This was an away fixture to Bradford where they were beaten 24–18. However this loss did not end their season. The losers of the qualifying semi-final got another chance by playing the winners of the other semi-final in a final eliminator. Therefore, Wigan's third play-off game was a home tie against St Helens where they won through 44–10.

Wigan
Round Opposition Score
Qualifying Semi-Final   Hull FC (H) 27-24
Semi-Final   Bradford Bulls (A) 24-18
Preliminary Final   St Helens (H) 44-10
Key: (H) = Home venue; (A) = Away venue.

Match details

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Bradford Bulls Position Wigan Warriors
1   Michael Withers Fullback 1   Kris Radlinski
  Tevita Vaikona Winger 2   Brett Dallas
  Scott Naylor Centre 3   Gary Connolly
  Graham Mackay Centre   Steve Renouf
5   Leon Pryce Winger 5   Brian Carney
6   Henry Paul Stand Off   Matthew Johns
7   Robbie Paul Scrum half 7   Adrian Lam
  Joe Vagana Prop   Terry O'Connor
9   James Lowes Hooker 9   Terry Newton
  Brian McDermott Prop   Harvey Howard
  Daniel Gartner 2nd Row   Mick Cassidy
11   Jamie Peacock 2nd Row   David Furner
  Mike Forshaw Loose forward 13   Andy Farrell
  Paul Deacon Interchange   Paul Johnson
  Shane Rigon Interchange   Chris Chester
  Paul Anderson Interchange   Denis Betts
  Stuart Fielden Interchange   Neil Cowie
  Brian Noble Coach   Stuart Raper

References

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