Charnley’s golden goodbye is ‘dream come true’
AFTER bowing out from Wigan and rugby league in perfect style on Saturday night, Josh Charnley had one parting request at Old Trafford: a free season ticket for the DW Stadium. More than a decade after joining the Warriors as a 13-year-old, the winger marked his farewell game with the winning try to deny Warrington’s first ever victory in the Grand Final. Charnley will take a twoweek holiday before his cross-code switch to Sale. ‘It was a dream come true to finish like this,’ said the 25-year-old. ‘It’s the strongest, most spirited team I’ve ever been in and that makes it harder to leave, it’s a family of brothers. I wouldn’t go anywhere else if I come back to rugby league. I’ve been here since I was a kid and it’s a big part of my life. I’ll get a season ticket and go when I can. Hopefully I won’t have to buy one — I’ll probably rob one!’ In front of home-made ‘King of the Wing’ banners, Charnley touched down in the 63rd minute to inflict Warrington’s second final defeat of the season. Plucking the ball from above his head and adjusting his body to avoid the dead-ball line, he collected Dan Sarginson’s grubber kick for his 150th career try. Sarginson is leaving Wigan for the NRL but the centre is hoping to earn a recall to Wayne Bennett’s England squad, which is announced today for the Four Nations. ‘I really hope I get into the squad,’ said Sarginson. ‘I’ve had a tough three years here but what a way to go out. When I first came up from Hemel I was told it was a rough town but I love it. ‘I honestly think I’ll be back if they’ll take me — but I’m just looking forward to Oz.’ Warrington second-row Joe Westerman, who had already suffered Challenge Cup final heartache at the hands of his old club Hull FC, watched as Declan Patton’s try was wiped out by Oliver Gildart and Charnley. ‘The Challenge Cup was probably the worst I’ve ever felt after a game but this topped it,’ said Westerman. ‘Once again, to be in control of a game and let it slip like that is heartbreaking.’