Two of the top four meet in the final round of the regular season as Wigan host Catalans. Both the Warriors and Dragons have nothing to play for in terms of league standing but the contest represents the perfect opportunity for both to prepare for the play-offs.
The Warriors will be forced into one or two changes this week. Liam Marshall’s absence could see the returning Willie Isa move to centre prompting Jake Bibby to shift onto the wing. That said, Umyla Hanley could fill in on the flank. Elsewhere, Tony Clubb will come in for Brad Singleton in the front row whilst James McDonnell could be given a vital run out before the end of the season.
As for Catalans, Steve McNamara could use this game to test the waters with his strongest 17. I believe we could see Catalans’ semi-final outfit barring the return of Benjamin Garcia to the starting line-up. This week it’s likely he’ll start on the bench as he returns to fitness. The only other change from what most consider Catalans’ strongest line-up is Matthieu Laguerre featuring on the wing in place of Fouad Yaha.
Wigan
3 Zak Hardaker
28 Sam Halsall
11 Willie Isa
4 Oliver Gildart
22 Jake Bibby
20 Harry Smith
31 Jackson Hastings
17 Tony Clubb
9 Sam Powell
21 Ethan Havard
12 Liam Farrell
13 John Bateman
14 Oliver Partington
Substitutes
19 Liam Byrne
25 Joe Shorrocks
27 Kai Pearce-Paul
29 James McDonnell
Catalans
29 Sam Tomkins
2 Tom Davies
4 Dean Whare
3 Samisoni Langi
20 Matthieu Laguerre
6 James Maloney
7 Josh Drinkwater
8 Gil Dudson
9 Michael McIlorum
10 Julian Bousquet
11 Matt Whitley
12 Mike McMeeken
17 Mickael Goudemand
Substitutes
1 Arthur Mourgue
13 Benjamin Garcia
22 Joel Tomkins
28 Sam Kasiano
