Super League pitch branded “a disgrace”

With Wigan Warriors, Leigh Leopards and St Helens chasing Catalans Dragons: Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR, Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils fighting for play-off spots and a battle for survival at the bottom between Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity, the weekend’s action was always going to be crucial to the table.

Wigan’s trip to Catalans was perhaps the biggest but what should have been a big game and a focus on the field fans were left talking about the pitch that had seen better days.

The pitch had a fungal infection after a lawnmower was shared with Perpignan Rugby Union leading to dead grass.

Fans were shocked by it branding it a “disgrace.”

Bloody hell that Catalan pitch looks leopard print! Beaumont will be getting ideas… pic.twitter.com/km74ICs02x

— Katie Devlin (@Katiedev) August 26, 2023

What's going on with Catalan's pitch?? 😐 #rugbyleague

— 💛🤘💙 Cath B 💙🤘💛 (@Rugbychick83) August 26, 2023

Catalan borrowed a lawn mower from a Union club and it’s given the pitch a fungal infection. This sport just isn’t serious is it? 😂😂

— Matty Jack Gannon. (@MattyJGannon) August 26, 2023

That Catalan pitch is a shocker!
have they had bulls running all over it or what?

— Louise Woodward-Styles (@MrsLouiseWS) August 26, 2023

What have Catalan done to the pitch!?

— amy 🐯 (@amy_2790) August 26, 2023

That Catalan pitch is a disgrace

— callum shelmerdine (@shelmers15) August 26, 2023

Catalan pitch is dreadful

— Clarkey (@ClarkeySP) August 26, 2023

It didn’t affect Wigan’s performance on the pitch however.

Wigan started the game excellently rolling Catalans down field frequently doing what is rarely seen in Super League and out muscling the Dragons in their own back yard.

As they routinely forced their way down field, Wigan eventually got their try as a probing kick from Bevan French caused confusion.

Tom Johnstone came across to deal with it colliding with Toby King allowing Abbas Miski to get to the ball and ground it to score.

Another kick led to another try as Miski rose highest to claim the kick before offloading to centre Toby King to score.

Wigan were on top and causing problems down the edge for Catalans especially down their right and the left of the French side.

Speaking of French, Bevan French continued to torment the Dragons as he ducked and darted through tackles busting tackles to power his way over the line in the corner.

A second conversion from Harry Smith, who also missed a penalty, made it 16-0 before Miski claimed a second try on the stroke of halftime.

Again French caused problems with a probing run and Miski hit a line inside as dummy runners moved wide of the winger allowing Miski to go through on his disguised line and powered through the cover to score a second try.

He would later score his third try as Wigan stormed to a statement victory over the league leaders.

It was a result that cemented Wigan’s title credentials but brought up serious questions about the league leaders Catalans Dragons.