Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves: Team news, match preview and score prediction

Many felt at the start of the season that this would be a clash between two of the chasing pack, but that is not the case.

Catalans are very much in the mix. Yes, they’re less consistent than last year but a win against the Champions last week underlined their credentials.

Warrington meanwhile lost to Salford having led by 10 points with 10 minutes left. Their defeat leaves them looking behind them in the table rather than forward at present despite their star-studded squad as a rebuild continues. A win for Toulouse and defeat here would make them sweat for sure.

Team News

Catalans have been hit with a trifactor of disciplinary problems after the win against St Helens with both Michael McIlorum and Dylan Napa banned long term and Sam Kasiano also weakening their pack. That compounds their injury issues with Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies and Mike McMeeken all injured.

Matty Ashton is back for Warrington however Mike Cooper misses out through illness compounding the recent injuries to Kyle Amor and Joe Philbin. George Williams should return to the side whilst Matty Nicholson could make his debut.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Sam Tomkins vs Gareth Widdop: Gareth Widdop may have been on the losing side, but his try was a reminder of what he can do especially as an experienced and creative head at fullback. A very similar player to Tomkins in that respect who could be the difference as the reigning Man of Steel.

Gil Dudson vs Joe Bullock: Against his future club, Gil Dudson will show Warrington exactly what they’re getting next year but will be up against the brilliant Joe Bullock who, with an influx of new forwards coming in, reminded Warrington of his quality last week running for over 150 metres.

Ben Currie vs Matt Whitley: A pair of very good second-rows who offer offensive threat as well as work rate. They could influence the result via big moments and little moments.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Catalans’ pack is one of the best in the league but losing Napa, McIlorum and Kasiano will be a big blow. If Warrington can quicken things up around the ruck and get Daryl Clark running as he did against Salford, they could shock the Dragons. However, the Wolves are rocking at the minute so they’ll need the right mindset to pick up the win.

Score Prediction: Catalans Dragons 14-12 Warrington Wolves