Wakefield v Catalans: Squads Announced

Wakefield and Catalans have both announced their 21-man squads for Saturday afternoon’s fixture at the Totally Wicked Stadium (KO 4:15pm).

Wakefield were initially due to play St Helens, with Catalans to face Salford, however following the forced re-shuffle of this weekend’s fixtures after six players and two members of staff at Hull FC tested positive for Covid-19, the clubs have been reassigned to play each other instead.

Trinity were unable to pick up points in last week’s return to action despite clawing back a 14-point deficit to lose 23-22 to Wigan, while the Dragons stormed to a 40-14 victory over Castleford, with Israel Folau delivering an inspired performance.

Wakefield Trinity

Chris Chester has rung the changes from last week’s squad, with Matty Ashurst, Ryan Hampshire and Jordy Crowther all welcomed back. Youngsters Jack Croft and Lee Kershaw have also been drafted in and could be given another chance to shine. Star winger Tom Johnstone is a notable absence and could face four to six weeks on the sidelines after injuring his elbow against Wigan.

21-man squad: 3 Bill Tupou, 4 Reece Lyne, 6 Jacob Miller, 8 David Fifita, 9 Kyle Wood, 10 Tinirau Arona, 11 Matty Ashurst, 12 Danny Kirmond, 13 Joe Westerman, 14 Jay Pitts, 15 Craig Kopczak, 18 Adam Tangata, 19 Jordy Crowther, 23 Josh Wood, 24 Jack Croft, 27 Lee Kershaw, 29 Ryan Hampshire, 36 Kelepi Tanginoa, 37 Romain Navarrete, 38 Liam Kay, 39 Tony Gigot.

Catalans Dragons

Three big names return for the Dragons, with David Mead, Sam Tomkins and Michael McIlorum included for the first time since the restart. They replace Mickael Goudemand, Lucas Albert and Arthur Romano in the 21.

21-man squad: 1 David Mead, 3 Samisoni Langi, 4 Israel Folau, 5 Fouad Yaha, 6 James Maloney, 7 Josh Drinkwater, 8 Remi Casty, 9 Michael McIlorum, 10 Sam Moa, 11 Matt Whitley, 12 Joel Tomkins, 13 Benjamin Garcia, 14 Julian Bousquet, 16 Tom Davies, 17 Benjamin Jullien, 18 Alrix Da Costa, 23 Antoni Maria, 24 Jason Baitieri, 25 Arthur Morgue, 28 Sam Kasiano, 29 Sam Tomkins.