The two clubs are some of the most successful in England, and annually compete in the Locker Cup to celebrate their rivalry.

The competitive history of the two clubs began on 18 January 1873 when the then two-month-old Wigan Warriors played their first match against Warrington Wolves (who would not form an official team for another three years).

[1] Both clubs were founding members of the NRFU, and have enjoyed a fierce rivalry throughout their history.

It was only in 2009 and 2010 following Warrington's back-to-back victory in the Challenge Cup and the club's subsequently establishing themselves as a Super League Top Four Club which saw the rivalry heat up again as both teams started simultaneously competing for top honours.

The single game tournament was played as a preseason friendly alternating between the club's home grounds annually until the switch to summer rugby in 1996.