Friday Interview - John Kear: Kear backing Wigan to go all the way down to Wire

Disappointed Wakefield Trinity Wildcats may have missed out on the gripping finale after finishing 11th, ending their hopes of atoning for last year's surprise early exit at the hands of Catalans.

But their experienced head coach John Kear has pitted his wits against each of the sides involved during a fascinating campaign and is well-placed to deliver his own verdict on what might lie ahead.

Having plotted victories over defending champions Leeds, former club Hull FC, Hull KR and top-eight debutants Crusaders, while feeling the full wrath of a rampant Wigan, Warrington, St Helens and Huddersfield, he is fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of all.

Here, the former England coach, who guided Sheffield and Hull to shock Challenge Cup final wins, gives his insight into each of this season's contestants and explains who he feels will ultimately come out on top at Old Trafford in three weeks.

Wigan (1)

I expect Wigan to win the Grand Final. Their strength has been their consistency while their application in all rounds has been first class.

Keeping Sean O'Loughlin fit has been a massive plus but their defensive intensity and aggression has really stood up which will stand them in good stead for the play-offs.

Getting knocked out of the Challenge Cup has also enabled them to recharge their batteries ready for this last push and they will be too strong for Leeds on Sunday night.

St Helens (2)

Injuries play a big part in what a team can achieve whether through recovering and returning, or coming at just the wrong time. Saints have suffered the latter.

They have real issues at half-back with Leon Pryce out for the season, Kyle Eastmond missing tonight and doubts over Jonny Lomax.

They certainly have the ability and emotional reason to get to Old Trafford – with it being Keiron Cunningham's last season – but I think it will be a bridge too far with makeshift halves meaning not enough direction.

Warrington (3)

I feel they will finally break their 16-year Knowsley Road hoodoo tonight and the Grand Finalists will come from Warrington, Wigan and Huddersfield.

The Wolves have won the Challenge Cup and want to build a dynasty but have played week-in, week-out for more than 30 weeks now.

Have they the power to cope with the next step? Possibly. They do have a big squad and high-quality injury returnees like Chris Bridge to carry them through and keep pressure on the rest.

Leeds Rhinos (4)

Showed great resilience to beat Hull last week on the back of a poor Wembley performance but that will have taken a lot of emotional drainage out of them.

They have the class to get to another Grand Final and with people like Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Danny Buderus still have a great chance but they are lacking up front due to injuries and ultimately that may well prevent them from reaching Old Trafford.

Huddersfield Giants (5)

At 20-1, Huddersfield are my dark horses to win the Grand Final.

They had their wobble earlier in the season when questions were asked about coach Nathan Brown but it was more down to injuries than anything and trying to integrate Danny Brough. They have managed to do that now and are playing some quality rugby.

Always strong defensively, they have great threat across the park with Kevin Brown, Luke Robinson, Brett Hodgson, Brough and David Faiumu who boasts an amazing step. When they played us a few weeks ago I thought they were coming right at the right time. I've not changed my mind.

Hull FC (6)

Tomorrow's match with Hull KR will be the game of the play-offs, possibly even including the Grand Final.

The most important Hull derby since the 1980 Challenge Cup final and with teams getting so close to Old Trafford now it makes it just massive.

However, because of that, because of everything invested at the KC, to back it up next week will take some doing and I don't think either will be able to carry it on.

Hull KR (7)

I have a sneaky suspicion Rovers will edge tomorrow's match.

Mick Dobson is looking really good at scrum-half, Shaun Briscoe is re-discovering his best form at full-back but it is their back-row pairing of Ben Galea and Clint Newton I love.

They are inspirational players who I think will step up to the plate.

Also, just like Huddersfield, Hull KR are disappointed by how they lost both their play-offs last season and they do not want a repeat of that.

Crusaders (8)

By finishing eighth, their goal has already been achieved and, partly because of that, I think there will be a comprehensive Huddersfield victory tomorrow.

Crusaders have surprised plenty but only got into the play-offs on 24 points.

That is five fewer than their nearest rivals Hull KR and nine behind the Giants. That's a big difference to start with but Huddersfield will be geared up ready to play anyway.