WHEN Ashton Sims took a football-mad relative to see Manchester United’s stadium during a visit from Australia, he could only hope that one day he would be competing on the pitch rather than admiring the facilities of one of the world’s greatest sporting venues.

That hope will become reality on Saturday when the no-nonsense front rower will be rewarded for his efforts over 13 years at the top level when he features in his first Grand Final.

Unlike on that visit though, there will be around 70,000 other people inside Old Trafford with him this time.

“I did the tour last year with my brother-in-law,” said Sims, who joined Wolves from North Queensland Cowboys ahead of the 2015 season.

“We went in the sheds (changing rooms) and looked at the ground, and I was thinking there’s an opportunity to play there.

“At the time I didn’t go there to visualise what it would be like to play there. I just went because my brother-in-law is a massive football fan, but once we got there I just wanted to soak in the whole experience and hope one day to play there.

“Now we’re lucky enough to be doing that. It’s an iconic stadium, it’s cool, and to be playing on it is a bit mind-blowing.”

In The Wire line-up at the Theatre of Dreams, Sims will only be beaten for experience by his fellow countryman Kurt Gidley.

Fifteen appearances in play-offs rugby Down Under during 12 seasons in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons (2003-07), Brisbane Broncos (2008-10) and the Cowboys (2011-14) failed to deliver a coveted Grand Final place for the Thor look-a-like with a love for heavy metal music.

But after bringing his young family more than 16,500 miles to Warrington the Fiji international is about to enter the game of his life in the Super League showdown at the second attempt.

“The job is half done by getting through and it’s a great feeling but we know there’s another tough 80 minutes ahead,” said the 31-year-old, who was born in Sutherland, New South Wales.

“It was tough in the semi final against Saints. They really brought it to us and have probably been one of the form teams of the past few months.

“We’re not satisfied yet.

“We’ve got 80 minutes to cement some goals that we set out at the start of the year.

“Unfortunately we missed out on one (the Challenge Cup) but we’re in the Grand Final for one of our other goals.

“It is my first in 13 years, or 14 seasons, and it’s an unbelievable feeling.

“I want to thank so many people but there’s still 80 minutes to go before I get too sentimental.

“We’re ready to give it a good shake.”

He will be watched from the Old Trafford stands by his wife Nicole and children Kobi, Alani, Isla and Kaya, who was born just a few days before the Challenge Cup Final and made her ‘Wire debut’ at Wembley.

His father and Nicole’s parents flew over from Australia for the Challenge Cup Final and he will have more family support this time.

“My auntie’s here with two of my cousins, so they’ve come over at the right time haven’t they,” he said.

And there will be huge backing for him from his rugby-mad siblings too.

Older sister and fire fighter Ruan is captain of the Australian women’s rugby league team, having also represented her country in rugby union, while younger brothers Korbin and Tariq play in the NRL for Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons respectively.

Another sister, CJ, is in the Australian gridiron squad.

“They sent a couple of texts before the Saints game to say good luck,” he said.

“They will all be made up for me. I’m really lucky, we’re quite a tight-knit family and I’ve got a son, three daughters and my wife that are my rock as well. I can’t wait to take them to Old Trafford and enjoy the whole experience.”

And he is one of Wolves’ rocks, having formed a formidable front-row partnership with skipper Chris Hill and hooker Daryl Clark.

Wolves’ best performances are produced when those three are able to get over the top of the opposition.

His main focus this week is making sure his and the team’s preparation is right for the big night and he was adamant about what is needed through the week of build-up.

“We need to keep training as we have been,” he said.

“As a club we train hard and with purpose. It’s full credit to our coaching staff and our high performance staff for making sure we’re firing and making sure we have a couple of down days building into what is the biggest game of the year.”