Ethan Havard's extra motivation with bid for Grand Final redemption

[josie andrews]

Fuelled by last year’s Grand Final injury heartbreak, Ethan Havard is looking to make his mark this time around at Old Trafford and help his side to back-to-back Super League successes.

The Bulgarian-born England international made a long-awaited return to the field at the Theatre of Dreams last season, only to limp off with the same reccuring hamstring injury, forced to watch from the sidelines as his side defeated Catalans 10-2.

It’s a risk the 23-year-old doesn’t regret, even after ruling him out for the opening part of the 2024 campaign; but provides extra motivation to make sure he is on the winning side once again in Manchester on Saturday, set to take on Hull KR in front of a near sell-out crowds

“It’s pretty different preparation for me this time obviously being fully fit now. I’m going into the game feeling pretty confident, my body is good and I’m just ready to go,” Havard said.

“It was pretty tough last year. I kind of questioned whether I would do it or not. I don't regret it because I learned a lot from it, I just want to get it right this time.

“It was a pretty hollow feeling. Obviously I was proud of the lads and what they did but I didn't feel as though I put much towards the result which wasn't a good feeling. So, this year, I want to do it right and put a good performance out there.

“I’m very motivated for it.”

Havard, who has started in the front-row for the Warriors in their last 10 fixtures, will mark his 100th club appearance on the weekend with his side looking to make it a historic quadruple in a calendar year.

Meanwhile, Hull KR will be looking to mark their own piece of history, reaching their first ever Super League Grand Final.

He added: “It's pretty mad how it's all aligned up. It's pretty special, but obviously I'm not really focusing on that this week. It's about the bigger prize at the end of it.

“I've been able to build towards the final a bit more this year. Obviously I've had a good string of games this year so I roll into it feeling good.”

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