Aaron Sutcliffe previews the Challenge Cup sixth round clash between Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity.
Catalans Dragons vs Wakefield Trinity
Venue: John Smith’s Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 22nd August, 2:30pm
Head-to-Head
Last Five Results: Wakefield 0-58 Catalans (15/08/20), Catalans 44-10 Wakefield (06/07/19), Wakefield 18-25 Catalans (25/05/19), Wakefield 22-12 Catalans (21/02/19), Wakefield 34-22 Catalans (14/09/18)
Preview
The Challenge Cup returns at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield this weekend as Catalans and Wakefield battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
Steve McNamara will be without Sam Tomkins and Sam Moa through suspension whilst Samisoni Langi and Julian Bousquet are both injured.
Chris Chester has recalled Alex Walker, Max Jowitt, James Batchelor and Connor Bailey into his 21-man squad, with Innes Senior in line to make his debut after signing on loan from Huddersfield Giants in the week.
Squads
Catalans Dragons: Mead, Folau, Yaha, Maloney, Drinkwater, Casty, McIlorum, Whitley, J. Tomkins, Garcia, Davies, Jullien, Da Costa, Goudemand, Seguier, Romano, Maria, Baitieri, Mourgue, Belmas, Kasiano
Wakefield Trinity: Walker, Tupou, Miller, Fifita, Wood, Arona, Ashurst, Kirmond, Westerman, Pitts, Kopczak, Batchelor, Tangata, Crowther, Jowitt, Croft, Hampshire, Bailey, Tanginoa, Navarrete, Senior
Prediction
The two teams met in Super League last week with the Dragons claiming an emphatic 58-point success. Therefore, it will be difficult for Trinity to bridge that chasm in the space of just seven days, however, I’m expecting a closer game on Saturday. Whilst Catalans are known for being inconsistent, they should be comfortable winners in this one.
