Liam Marshall: Wigan Warriors winger hopes Super League Grand Final win can start dynasty
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Liam Marshall (right) scored the only try as Wigan beat Catalans Dragons in the Super League Grand Final
Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall hopes their Super League Grand Final win against Catalans Dragons can spur them to more silverware.
Marshall scored the only try as they edged out Les Dracs 10-2 in a bruising encounter at Old Trafford.
Having won the League Leaders' Shield, Wigan ended rivals St Helens' dominance after their four successive titles.
"To come to this stadium, win a final for my hometown team is brilliant," Marshall told BBC Radio 5 Live.
It was Wigan's first Grand Final triumph since they beat Warrington 12-4 in 2108.
"There aren't words I can sum up," added Marshall, 27. "I missed out in 2018 through injury and it's my seventh year at Wigan now, so to get this chance is unbelievable.
"What a team. Hopefully we start something special with this group and go on to win some more silverware."
Wigan's victory completed the set of domestic trophies for boss Matt Peet in the two seasons since he took charge, having previously led the club to the Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield.
It also gave chairman Ian Lenagan a title farewell, prior to his departure from the club next month and ending a tenure which has brought a wealth of success to the Cherry and Whites.
"For us to get the win tonight for him is fitting," Peet said.
"During his tenure, he's led the club through good and tough times. One thing I've learned from him is how you lead people in those tough times.
"I hope he enjoys this victory because he certainly deserves it, not just because of the finances but the commitment and sleepless nights.
"I hope we've left him with a great memory. The best way to sum him up is that he's one of the team."
'Future bright' for Catalans despite another Grand Final loss
Catalans fell at the final hurdle once more in their second Grand Final appearance, having lost to St Helens in the showpiece two years ago.
Steve McNamara's side pushed Wigan in a frantic first half before Marshall's try proved decisive, leading to the Warriors becoming the first team to win a Super League Grand Final in which only one try was scored.
Despite their defeat, McNamara was positive about the Dragons' future.
"I think the future is bright," he said. "It's clearly a big change for us as eight players are leaving, as well as two assistant coaches and the director general, but we've prepared for it.
"The DNA of the club has to be what you saw tonight, a team that refused to give in, wasn't great in attack but refused to give in or buckle.
"To concede just one try in a Grand Final, as a club we have to continue in that vein. It will put us in a strong position in the future."
'I've lived my dream' but Tomkins ends on a low
One of those players leaving Catalans is full-back Sam Tomkins, who announced earlier in the season that he would be retiring from the game at the end of this campaign.
The 34-year-old won three Super League titles during his glittering career - all with Wigan - but was unable to add a fourth in his final match against his former club.
"Wigan were much the better team," the former England captain told Sky Sports. "I felt like we ran out of gas in the last 20 minutes. We were chasing the game and had no legs left.
"I've lived my dream and I am sad today but hopefully I can look back over the 15 years and be happy. I have had some low points, and they don't get any lower than this, but I have had a lot more highs.
"I am retiring from something I have done from five years old. This game has given me and my family everything we have got. It's made me the person I am.
"I am finishing a very happy man. Although it's a low point, I am sure at some point I'll be able to look back and smile."