BOYHOOD Bulls fan John Bateman is aiming to make it third time lucky in his bid for Grand Final glory this evening.

Wigan face Warrington at Old Trafford having lost to St Helens and Leeds in the past two seasons.

Bateman featured in both matches and is now desperate to experience that winning feeling on the big stage.

The 23-year-old said: “I wouldn't wish the feeling of losing a Grand Final on my worst enemy.

“You play all year to make that one game and it's hard to get over it when you lose.

“You don't forget that feeling and I don't want to experience it again.

“I think all the other lads who have played in the last two will remember that feeling this week and want to put things right.

“The first one I came off the bench and didn't play too long.

“Last year we came back in the second half but Leeds pipped us.

“It'll be tough again this year against Warrington but anything can happen in a Grand Final.”

Although Wigan are missing a number of key men, Bateman feels their collective desire can see them crowned champions.

The England star, a keen Manchester United supporter, added: “Unlike other teams, we don't make a big issue about all the injuries we've had.

“But at times this year we've had half our salary cap worth of players sat in the stands.

“The players who have come in have just as much desire as anyone else.

“They probably have even more because they want to prove to everyone they can do it.

“We sat down together as a squad before last week’s semi-final and everyone spoke about the importance of reaching the Grand Final. We know what’s at stake.”

Joe Philbin could feature for Warrington after establishing himself in Tony Smith’s side following his recent loan spell at Bradford.

Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin is poised to return after injury and boss Shaun Wane admits he is desperate for success.

Wane said: “I’m very, very proud of what the young players are doing in our team.

“A lot of the players are Manchester United fans so they're looking forward to trying to get this win and hopefully making history.

“I'll be pumped walking the players out and I'm very proud to represent this club in our fourth successive year here.

“But I've only got one win under my belt so I don't want to drive out of here with nothing on the coach and we need that Super League trophy.”