JAKE Wardle’s love story had the ending he wanted as he put mind over matter to earn Wigan Grand Final glory.
Bombed out by Huddersfield and loaned out to Warrington last year, the centre could hardly have been at a lower ebb.
Now he is a champion after a starring show in attack as the Warriors ended five years of misery with a dominant defensive display in a 10-2 victory over Catalans Dragons.
The home of Heinz got the better of the finest from one of France’s wine regions – soup saw off sauvignon blanc, beans bettered Beaujolais.
For Wardle, however, this season has been about regaining the inner desire while also learning how mentality can be the difference – with more to come.
He said: “2022 was far from ideal. That was the first real test of my career and still being young, I probably didn’t handle it the best off the field.
“This year wasn’t about proving a point. I know what I’m capable of, it was about having that belief in myself.
“It was more about finding that happiness again – I had doubts last year, it was a very inconsistent time but I’ve learned a lot of lessons from it.
“But I’ve found that love again. A lot of that’s down to the culture of Wigan. We say it a lot but it is like a big group of mates. It doesn’t feel like you’re going to a normal job.
“When you come to a club like Wigan, there’s always that expectation. That’s one of the things that excited me when I signed.
“I thought having that could get the best out of me and hopefully that’s developing me as a player.
“And I’d like to think I’m a better player now than when I walked through the door – a lot of that comes down to the technical and tactical side of the game.
“But there’s more improvement to come.”
Liam Marshall grabbed the only try as Pemberton got on top of Perpignan, with Wardle breaking Mitchell Pearce’s challenge to allow skipper Liam Farrell to turn provider.
That came as Catalans – who flopped in attack on the biggest stage – were down to 12 men after Tom Davies was sin binned after impeding the man who would become the try scorer as the centre broke.
Harry Smith’s three goals helped boss Matt Peet earn his third piece of silverware in two seasons – all he needs is the World Club Challenge, and Wigan are willing to head to Australia to take on NRL champions Penrith Panthers.
All the Dragons had to show was Adam Keighran’s penalty and, frankly, they never looked like breaking the Warriors’ line.
That was as much down to masterful defence as poor last tackle options – and there were a few of them – which was part of what makes Wigan so successful.
Wardle added: “I realise now why Wigan have been at the top for so many years.
“This was my first final, whereas there are people like Liam have been in plenty and their experience means they’ve been able to pass advice on to me.
“And much of it is that mental side. One of the things we have at this club is trust in one another, that showed in the defence we had to do.
“Sometimes it’s not pretty, there’s a lot of scrambling, but that desire to work for your mate is all about that trust.
“And big stages like Old Trafford are pretty good. Playing in games like that is one of the reasons I came to Wigan.”
After club glory, Wardle now hopes to get his chance on the Test stage with a place in England’s squad for the three-Test series with Tonga, which starts on Sunday.
Given the way he has come good this year, it is easy to see him making Shaun Wane’s starting line-up.
The 24-year-old continued: “A few medical checks need ticking off first but I want to play for England, 100 per cent.
“The pinnacle is playing for your country.”
