Sam Burgess made five changes to his 21-man squad and we’ve predicted how Warrington Wolves could line up in the south of France as a result.
Young full-back Cai Taylor-Wray returned to the team last week and was key in the club’s Challenge Cup win over Leigh Leopards, however, he sustained a hand injury which has ruled him out of the clash against Catalans.
It’s possible that the full-back could miss more game time and that may well be an obvious fix with Wire having already dealt without Taylor-Wray for an extended period as he recovered from his hamstring injury.
During that period, it was Josh Thewlis who filled in at the back with centre Josh Smith shifting to the wing but Smith has now picked up an injury meaning Sam Burgess may have to shuffle the deck among his backs.
Wire also welcome back off-season signing Toafofoa Sipley meaning there’s plenty of decisions to be made. We’ve predicted how we think Warrington Wolves could line up against Catalans Dragons.
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Warrington Wolves predicted XIII
Full-back: Josh Thewlis
As was the case before, Thewlis will likely be the man to slot in at full-back. He was brilliant there during Taylor-Wray’s hamstring injury and there’s no reason he can’t do the same again.
Wingers: Jake Thewlis and Matty Ashton
With Josh Smith out injured and Josh Thewlis shifted to full-back, Wire have recalled Jake Thewlis from his loan at Castleford Tigers and he’ll likely start alongside star man Matty Ashton.
Centres: Albert Hopoate and Toby King
No need to overcomplicate things in the centres as this pairing retain their spot having had a strong start to the season, particularly Toby King.
Halves: George Williams and Marc Sneyd
Marc Sneyd seems to have wrestled back the starting shirt from young gun Ewan Irwin and he’ll pair captain George Williams in the halves.
Hooker: Danny Walker
Walker has been one of the form hookers in Super League and his ability to play 80 minutes is another huge asset for Warrington Wolves.
Props: Liam Byrne and Toafofoa Sipley
With Luke Yates out, it could be that Toafofoa Sipley returns straight to the starting line-up alongside Liam Byrne, who has seemingly got the starting spot on lock.
Second-rowers: Sam Stone and James Bentley
Sam Stone was brilliant last week against Leigh and he’ll go again alongside James Bentley with Kelepi Tanginoa offering impact off the bench.
Loose forward: Ben Currie
The move from second-row to loose forward has seen Ben Currie reach new levels across the past couple of seasons so it’s no surprise to see the club have extended his deal.
Interchanges: James Harrison, Joe Philbin, Kelepi Tanginoa and Lachlan Webster
James Harrison has been brilliant in recent weeks so could well start over Sipley, however, it’s off the bench where he has been so impactful. Joe Philbin is a regular in this role whilst the aforementioned Tanginoa is always packing a punch from the bench. The fourth spot on the bench could go one of three ways with Max Wood and Sam Powell both options, however, Wire have regularly carried a spare back and they could again opt to go with Lachlan Webster.
