Image source, SWPIX.COM

While Leeds and indeed Huddersfield made disappointing starts to the Super League season, the rest of the usual suspects - including today's finalists were going about business as normal.

The one surprise was Widnes who won four in a row and three from five in March to prompt comparisons with surprise Premier League winners Leicester City.

They even won at Wigan, ending the Warriors' 21-month unbeaten home run.

Warrington continued to rumble on though, winning their first seven games before finally coming unstuck at Hull FC.

Having won all three competitions available to them in 2015, much was expected of Leeds Rhinos in the defence of their crown.

However, without the inspirational trio of Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai, the Rhinos made a nightmare start.

They lost the opener against Warrington, then lost three players to injury in a defeat by Widnes before a sapping World Club Challenge loss to North Queensland Cowboys.

Catalans beat the champions at home at the end of the month to leave Brian McDermott's side without a point going into March.

Image source, SWPIX

Half-an-hour to go before kick-off. Time ticking away.

It's been a long, gruelling road to Old Trafford, both these teams know one last push could be enough to steer them to the trophy on the hooter.

Let's have a look back at how the season panned out, starting back in the February chill.

Super League's showpiece event contested by two sides separated by just 11 miles has a long list of sub plots that go well beyond a local rivalry.

BBC Sport takes an in-depth look at the Grand Final - from 61 years of Warrington hurt to the son of a gun looking to make a grand final-winning impact like his father.

Read Nathan Middleton's feature here.

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

When the teams were announced and Sean O'Loughlin's name was read out over the PA system, you could have probably heard the roar from the Warriors fans back in Wigan.

The England captain hasn't played since the start of August because of injury and his inclusion is a gamble, but so great is his influence on this side, head coach Shaun Wane has decided it is a risk worth taking.

Conditions here are perfect, by the way. There's an autumn chill in the air, but it's dry and there's not a breath of wind.

Kevin Sinfield, a now retired great of the game, gives a fascinating insight into what Super League Grand Final day means to the players.

If you are looking for a way to get pumped for this game, this makes for essential viewing.

Image source, Getty Images

Of course in football, England's World Cup qualifier against Malta kicked off a short while ago, you can follow that one on the BBC here.

With that in mind I thought it was worth mentioning a few Maltese links with our greatest game.

The most prominent is ex-Rabbitohs and Norths forward Mario 'Falcon' Fenech. Not just famous for his uncompromising play and ever-present smile, but also for lending his nickname (after it happened to him quite famously) to the act of a rugby ball whacking someone in the head.

There's also Jarrod Sammut, formerly of Crusaders, Bradford and Wakefield and ex-Wests Tigers premiership winner Ben Galea.

Love the retro Norths top too... I've got a 1991 Penrith one on today - send us your best old RL top pics to celebrate Grand Final day using #bbcrl

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

I arrived at Old Trafford about three hours before kick-off and one thing I've learned since then is that I don't like air horns.

There were plenty of those about outside the stadium, and plenty of street vendors selling the usual paraphernalia you would expect to see at showpiece sporting events - half-and-half scarves, t-shirts and foam fingers.

You could feel the atmosphere beginning to build even at that time, and I can't wait to see what it's like come kick-off time.

Image source, Rex Features

Well, this is one way to get in the spirit of the occasion. The big question is, will Warrington fans be jumping for joy at the end of game?

There are few more special atmospheres than Old Trafford on Grand Final day.

It's a riot of colour, an assault on the senses... our man Phil Cartwright is there.

Big news from both camps.

Warrington have injury doubt Chris Sandow on the bench, with Declan Patton the young half given the chance as a starter.

Wigan have talisman Sean O'Loughlin on their bench, he's a huge boost.

Whether they're fit, time will tell.

Super League Grand Final preview from BBC Radio 5 live with George Riley and Iestyn Harris.

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Even the harshest critics of the 'play-off' style system upon which Super League's champions are decided cannot fail to be impressed with the spectacle it creates.

Since the Grand Final's inception in 1998, attendances have continued to rise with last year's tussle under the lights between Leeds and Wigan attracting a 73,512 crowd.

It has become a highlight of the sporting calendar, a major event, and you can be part of the action right here over the next couple of hours.

Image source, BBC Sport

After eight months, 178 games and 1,165 tries, Super League has whittled down to the two teams that will do battle this evening at Old Trafford in the Grand Final.

Warrington, league leaders after 30 rounds and Challenge Cup finalists, can secure their first championship since 1955.

Wigan, in their fourth straight Grand Final, have the chance to end the heartbreak of back-to-back losses at this stage.

No second chances, this is one-off, knock-out-style footy at its finest and you can follow it here with radio and text commentary.