In what could soon be a Super League semi-final clash, the fourth placed Wigan Warriors host the league leading Catalans Dragons as the two teams meet in an intriguing contest. Yes, it means little for both sides in terms of league standings but it’s a chance for both teams to build momentum into the play-offs.
It’s been a bit of a disappointing year for the Warriors. Tipped to fight for the League Leaders’ Shield and be one of the front runners in the race for Old Trafford, they’ve struggled for consistency and points. In truth they’ve not recovered since their last meeting with the Dragons in which they conceded 40 points.
For Catalans it’s been the perfect year. By far the league’s top team, they won the League Leaders’ Shield two weeks ago with a dramatic win over Champions St Helens. Now they’re just bidding their time until their first Super League semi-final since 2014.
The game kicks off at 19:45 on Friday night.
Wigan
The Warriors have brought three new faces into their squad this week. Willie Isa returns after suspension, James McDonnell features having been recalled from his loan spell at York whilst Tony Clubb also returns to the fold. Dropping out of the squad is Liam Marshall, Brad Singleton and Morgan Smithies.
21-man squad: 3 Zak Hardaker, 4 Oliver Gildart, 9 Sam Powell, 10 Joe Bullock, 11 Willie Isa, 12 Liam Farrell, 13 John Bateman, 14 Oliver Partington, 17 Tony CLubb, 19 Liam Byrne, 20 Harry Smith, 21 Ethan Havard, 22 Jake Bibby, 23 Mitch Clark, 25 Joe Shorrocks, 27 Kai Pearce-Paul, 28 Sam Halsall, 29 James McDonnell, 30 Umyla Hanley, 31 Jackson Hastings, 34 Brad O’Neill.
Catalans
The Dragons have gone much stronger this week welcoming back the stars they rested for the game against Huddersfield last Saturday. In fact, they’ve made eight changes with Samisoni Langi, Julian Bousquet, Mike McMeeken, Benjamin Garcia, Joel Tomkins, Joe Chan, Sam Tomkins and Sam Kasiano back in the squad. Garcia’s return is the most exciting as he returns from a long-term injury just in time to lead his side into the play-offs.
21-man squad: 1 Arthur Mourgue, 2 Tom Davies, 3 Samisoni Langi, 4 Dean Whare, 6 James Maloney, 7 Josh Drinkwater, 8 Gil Dudson, 9 Michael McIlorum, 10 Julian Bousquet, 11 Matt Whitley, 12 Mike McMeeken, 13 Benjamin Garcia, 15 Benjamin Jullien, 17 Mickael Goudemand, 20 Matthieu Laguerre, 22 Joel Tomkins, 27 Joe Chan, 28 Sam Kasiano, 29 Sam Tomkins, 30 Jordan Dezaria, 31 Cesar Rouge.
