Following in the footsteps of Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Bradford Bulls and St Helens, Catalans Dragons will become only the sixth team to compete in more than on Grand Final as they take on Wigan for the Super League title at the Theatre of Dreams.
A historic moment for the club it will be a historic moment for captain Ben Garcia especially if he becomes the first French man to lift the Super League trophy as captain.
However, a huge injury concern shrouds him with concern about a rib injury picked up against St Helens in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, teammates Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce enter the game knowing full well that their knee or hamstring could go after carrying these injuries for some time.
On the flip of this, it seems Wigan are set to have Ethan Havard back despite making this statement earlier this year:
“Wigan Warriors forward Ethan Havard has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury and faces an extended period on the sidelines.
“Havard, who recently signed a new contract with the Club, suffered a hamstring injury early in the Betfred Super League Round 18 tie against Wakefield Trinity, initially ruling him out for four to six weeks.
“However, the 22-year-old has suffered a setback in training that required surgery.
Head Coach Matt Peet said: “It’s sad news for Ethan and the team.
“He is a determined character and is already working hard on his rehabilitation.”
Steve McNamara has also named his 21-Man squad ahead of the Super League Grand Final against Wigan on Saturday.
The squad remains unchanged following the 12-6 win over St Helens in Semi-Final.
The squad
1. Arthur MOURGUE
2. Tom DAVIES
3. Adam KEIGHRAN
6. Tyrone MAY
7. Mitchell PEARCE
8. Mike McMEEKEN
9. Micky McILORUM
10. Julian BOUSQUET
11. Matt WHITLEY
12. Paul SÉGUIER
13. Benjamin GARCIA
14. Alrix DA COSTA
16. Romain NAVARRETE
18. Tiaki CHAN
19. Arthur ROMANO
21. Matt IKUVALU
22. Siua TAUKEIAHO
23. Jordan DEZARIA
24. Tom JOHNSTONE
26. Manu MA’U
29. Sam TOMKINS
Wigan Warriors and Hull KR collided knowing they would meet Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford if they came away with the win.
The Warriors went into the game as favourites as they did at the home of Leeds Rhinos earlier this year when they lost to Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final to set up the first Wembley final without Leeds, Wigan, St Helens and Warrington Wolves since 1986.
The Robins knew if they won they would set up the first Grand Final ever without St Helens, Leeds or opponents Wigan.
The Cherry and Whites got off to a flying start as Liam Marshall crossed the whitewash just two minutes into the game. A sweeping move through the Wigan backline found the ball in Jai Field’s hands, and the fullback burst through a gap and sent Marshall in for the games first try.
Field turned from provider to scorer as he put his name on the scoreboard in the sixth minute. A Harry Smith kick caused chaos in the Robins back line, and with a bit of luck the ball hit Field’s shin and he pounced on the ball to score.
Marshall made KR pay for a piece of ill-discipline as he slid over for his brace. The winger wrong footed three defenders on the left edge and extend Wigan’s lead to 16 points with just 12 minutes played.
Hull KR capitalised on a poor piece of handling from Abbas Miski to get their first points of the afternoon, as Elliot Minchella powered over from short range.
As was the case in the first half, Marshall scored with just two minutes played in the half. A kick from Harry Smith was swatted back by a Wigan hand, and another kick from French fell perfectly into Marshall’s hands for the winger to score his third.
Another Harry Smith cross-field kick caused chaos for the Hull KR defence, but this time it directly led to a try. Smith’s kick was swatted back by Kai Pearce-Paul and it fell directly into French’s hands who put it on a plate for King and the centre gleefully dived over to score on his final appearance at the DW in Cherry and White.
Jai Field grabbed a well deserved brace to score Wigan’s sixth try. Quick feet from prop Patrick Mago created a crack in the Robins line, and Field burst through it to score.
Not to be outdone by his partner on the other edge, Abbas Miski grabbed his 28th try of the season.
