The historic Locker Cup trophy is up for grabs on Friday night when Warrington face Wigan at the DW Stadium.

The Cup was a key part of the local rivalry up until the Super League era and was reinstated in 2019 and returns on Friday night after a COVID affected couple of seasons.

The traditional pre-season friendly between Warrington and Wigan, the Locker Cup, started in 1938. It was then known as the Wardonia Cup and was donated by a local firm for charity matches. Charities and amateur football in both towns benefited from the proceeds of these games.

The Warrington team that won the inaugural Wardonia Cup on 20 August 1938.

The match v Wigan was a 17-17 draw, with skipper Jack Arkwright winning the cup on the toss of a coin.

Australian legend Dave Brown scored two tries and kicked three goals, Jack Garrett scored Warrington’s third try and Billy Bradshaw dropped a goal. The match was played at Central Park Wigan, in front of a crowd of 8,000.

The team photo shows captain Jack Arkwright holding the ball.

It was decided that the proceeds of the matches would be shared equally between the clubs for distribution to local charities and junior rugby league. For the first match each member of the winning team, Warrington received a case of cutlery, whilst the Wigan players received a clock.

Warrington retained the trophy 12 months later with a 14-11 victory at Wilderspool.

In focus: The Locker Cup