Tonight marks the first game that Warrington Wolves have played since the sacking of Daryl Powell, the former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss being dismissed following a spate of poor form, but interim coach Gary Chambers has no gimme for his first game with Catalans Dragons heading to the Halliwell Jones.
The Dragons currently top the table whereas Warrington have slipped all the way to sixth but a third win of the season for the Wolves over the Dragons would lift them back into fifth.
Warrington have named a strong side with winger Matty Ashton replaced by young Connor Wrench, whereas the Dragons are missing Micky McIlorum at hooker.
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Tonight's line-up for R21 π
W/ @CheshireMould pic.twitter.com/3wSUJYFaty
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 4, 2023
Thomas Mikaele returns for the Wire with Joe Bullock dropping to 18th man.
π Le ππππ ππ ππΜπ©ππ«π de Steve McNamara pour affronter @WarringtonRLFC.
πΊ Match Γ suivre sur https://t.co/DvKJhhVhgr pic.twitter.com/ZGWQHesPfc
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) August 4, 2023
Catalans boast a very strong side with just English hooker McIlorum missing but English winger Tom Johnstone will be looking for his 25th try of the Super League campaign.
Highlights
Catalans come close
A booming kick was taken by the Wire winger but a superb chase saw Connor Wrench dragged into touch just five metres out. He redeemed himself by forcing Tom Davies out on the incoming set with the Wire faithful celebrating it like a score of their own.
Navarrete nails Nicholson
Liam Moore had a decision to make after just five minutes when three men in the tackle led to Matty Nicholson being spear tackled, landing in a very awkward position. Moore just gave the penalty, potentially a lucky break for the Dragons.
Keighran crosses over
The game came to a stop with Stefan Ratchford suffering a nasty cut to his head and seemingly during the time the game was delayed Warrington switched off. That saw a Pearce kick allowed to bounce with Keighran being the beneficiary and crossing over to open the scoring.
Davies doubles the lead
Former Wigan man Tom Davies has not had the credit he deserves this year because of Tom Johnstone on the opposite flank but he doubled the lead crossing over in the corner after a slick passing move, just minutes after Ratchford had passed his HIA and returned to the field bandaged and stitched up.
Pearce powers on
Mitchell Pearce may well be heading back to the NRL for a swansong but he’s enjoying Super League for now, running a great support line as Catalans broke through and just having the gas in the tank to score.
Wire get “fortunate try” back
Just before the half time hooter Warrington pulled one back through Ben Currie but replays showed a George Williams knock on in the build up, something Bill Arthur labelled as “very fortunate”.
Ratchford withdrawn
It was reported that during the half Stefan Ratchford complained of feeling ill and after his brutal head knock in the first half he was rightly withdrawn, but it was very concerning to hear of his ‘delayed concussion’.
Whitley kills Wire off
Catalans forced territory through a penalty and they utilised it well with Tyrone May’s clever kick being pounced on by Matt Whitley who extended the lead to 24-6 after Keighran converted.
Ikuvalu makes it 30
Just prior to the 70 minute mark as Warrington were struggling Matt Ikuvalu raced through to score after yet another Tyrone May kick, almost a replica of Adam Keighran’s from around 15 minutes earlier.
Consolation score
With less than five minutes to go Josh Thewlis linked up with Matt Dufty and managed to score in the corner, a bright note to end an otherwise very dull and subdued night for Warrington.
Handbags late on
Just a minute after Thewlis’ try he played a pass that set Mickael Goudemand up to score, but a brilliant effort from former teammate Sam Kasiano denied him. The resulting melee led to some pushing and shoving, which official Liam Moore allowed to die down given it marked the end of the game.
Talking Points
Classy Connor Wrench
Matty Ashton’s injury meant that Connor Wrench started tonight and the young winger more than justified his selection. Within the opening eight minutes he made two try saving plays and Gary Chambers may opt to back some more youth as a result.
Should Ratchford have been allowed to return?
Stefan Ratchford didn’t return for the second half but he did return after receiving “15-20” stitches after an elbow opened a cut on his temple. The right decision was made in the end with the centre complaining of feeling ill during his second spell on the field and therefore withdrawn, but should he have been allowed to return at all?
Catalans the real deal?
Is it time to finally admit that Catalans are the real deal? They sit four points clear at the top of the table and have won in rather dominant fashion without getting beyond third of fourth gear.
Player Ratings
Warrington Wolves
Matt Dufty – 4
Josh Thewlis – 5
Peter Mata’utia – 4
Stefan Ratchford – NA
Connor Wrench – 6
George Williams – 4
Josh Drinkwater – 4
Gil Dudson – 5
Danny Walker – 5
Paul Vaughan – 4
Ben Currie – 5
Matty Nicholson – 6
Jordy Crowther – 4
Subs
Daryl Clark – 5
Sam Kasiano – 4
Joe Philbin – 4
Thomas Mikaele – 5
Catalans Dragons
Sam Tomkins – 7
Tom Davies – 7
Adam Keighran – 8
Matt Ikuvalu – 7
Tom Johnstone – 7
Tyrone May – 9
Mitchell Pearce – 8
Julian Bousquet – 8
Alrix Da Costa – 7
Romain Navarrete – 8
Matt Whitley – 8
Paul Seguier – 7
Benjamin Garcia – 8
Subs
Mickael Goudemand – 7
Tiaki Chan – 7
Arthur Romano – 7
Bastien Scimone – NA
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