It’s set up to be a record-breaking fixture for the Super League, with the highest attendance stat set to be broken. Here’s everything you need to know about the match-up between Catalans and Wigan.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Catalans
The Dragons come into this fixture with bags of confidence, having won their last four from five in all competitions. Prior to last weekend’s 62-6 victory against Doncaster, Catalans enjoyed their trip to the KCOM and came away with a 37-6 win.
Wigan
The Warriors are on a three-game winning streak in the Super League but did lose 26-24 to Warrington in the sixth round of the Cup last week.
Victories against Salford, Castleford and most recently London have given Wigan a boost and six points, moving them up to eighth in the table.
SQUAD NEWS
Catalans
Head coach Steve McNamara will have to do without Sam Tomkins for this game. The former Wiganer suffered a back injury against Doncaster and was doubtful at the start of the week. McNamara has chosen not to risk him but Tomkins will be gutted to miss such a marquee fixture.
Catalans’ 19-man squad: Gigot, Mead, Wiliame, Tierney, Langi, Casty, McIlorum, Moa, Edwards, Garcia, Bird, Bousquet, Simon, Jullien, Whitley, Da Costa, Baitieri, Yaha, Kasiano.
Wigan
Wigan coach Adrian Lam has brought in former Catalans player Morgan Escare for extra support on their backline.
He replaces Jake Shorrocks in the 19-man squad.
Wigan’s 19-man squad: Bullock, Burgess, Clubb, Escare, Flower, Gildart, Greenwood, Hankinson, Hardaker, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, Navarrete, O’Loughlin, Powell, Sarginson, Smithies, Tautai, Williams.
HEAD TO HEAD
Since their introduction into Super League, Catalans have won just eight matches against Wigan, with the Warriors taking 26 victories. In fact, the Dragons’ first Super League match was against Wigan, in which they ran out 38-30 victors.
Wigan have beaten Catalans in the last ten meetings between the two, including four away wins. The stats do not look convincing for a Dragons victory.
KEY BATTLE
Tony Gigot (Catalans) v Zak Hardaker (Wigan)
Fullback is arguably Tony Gigot’s best position but fighting with Tomkins, Samisoni Langi and Matty Smith for one of three pivotal fullback/halfback spots means one of them has to miss out. With Tomkins out this week, Gigot should secure that fullback role and be able to support his halfbacks.
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Hardaker has still not managed to show us his best. He’s taking a long time to settle in the Wigan side. He doesn’t look out of place but he seems to be lacking that spark he has had previously. If he can get back to his best, Wigan have a chance of clawing a play-off spot.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 18th May
Venue: Nou Camp
Kick-off: 3.30pm BST
Referee: Ben Thaler
WHO WILL WIN?
This could be a game of who doesn’t let the occasion get to them. Wigan have played in so many big games over the years, including a trip to Australia for the World Club Challenge last year. However, this game plays into Catalans hands with a huge home crowd behind them. Catalans win by 10 points.
