Wigan boss Shaun Wane is delighted an English coach will be leading a side to Super League Grand Final glory at Old Trafford tomorrow.

And the former Great Britain prop was just as proud that all four play-off semi-finalists had Englishmen in charge, including his old Leeds teammate Paul Anderson at the Giants.

Wane and fellow front-rower Brian McDermott are in charge of the Warriors and Leeds Rhinos for this weekend’s massive showpiece event in Manchester.

They earned the right to reach the Theatre of Dreams after Wigan got the better of Anderson’s Huddersfield and Leeds edged past Keiron Cunningham’s St Helens.

It’s a far cry from the earlier Super League years when Australian coaches played such a dominant role, which is something Wane welcomes.

“Having four English coaches in charge of the four semi-finalists is something I was really pleased about,” said Wane.

“I think that’s really good and healthy for our game. We’ve all worked under Australian coaches in the past, but I’m delighted we’ve all been given the chance to show we can do the job ourselves.

“I’m also delighted we’ve been able to destroy the myth about front-row forwards. Having three prop forwards and a hooker (Cunningham) taking charge of the semi-finalists has to knock that one of the head.

“And I’m not surprised Baloo is now a head coach and doing so well at Huddersfield.

Huddersfield Giants Chairman Ken Davy (left) and Head Coach Paul Anderson

“I saw him coming through as a young kid at Leeds when I was coming to the end of my career, and I could see from the start he was a very impressive player.

“I also knew from his character he’d make a good coach, so I’m delighted to see his proving me right.

“I really like what he’s doing at Huddersfield. He’s made them a really honest, hard-working teams, and one which has earned respect from everyone throughout the competition.

“We had to play very, very well to beat them in the semi-final, and I know they’ll be one of the teams to beat again next year.”