In-form Catalan Dragons travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday just two days after their home nation secured their place in the Football World Cup Final as they face fourth-placed Warrington Wolves. Here’s everything you need to know:
SQUAD NEWS
Warrington Wolves
Australian utility back Ben Pomeroy re-joins the 19-man squad, alongside loose-forward Harvey Livett, whilst Dominic Crosby misses out and Morgan Smith, who clinched victory for Rochdale Hornets over Swinton Lions last weekend with a last-minute try, also sits out.
Warrington Wolves dropped to fourth-place following their recent loss to Wigan Warriors, which saw young Wigan play-maker Josh Woods claim the two-points in the dying seconds with a drop-goal.
Warrington Wolves 19-man squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Ben Pomeroy, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Ben Westwood.
Catalans Dragons
Steve McNamara has named an unchanged-side for Thursday’s clash.
Catalans Dragons continue to ascend the Super League ladder following their victory over Wakefield Trinity, which saw them climb to go level on points with Chris Chester’s side. The Dragons will be looking to make it their eighth win in ten on Thursday at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Catalans Dragons 19-man squad: Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Greg Bird, Julian Bousquet, Rémi Casty, Josh Drinkwater, Kenny Edwards, Benjamin Garcia, Tony Gigot, Mickael Goudemand, Benjamin Jullien, Samisoni Langi, Michael McIlorum, David Mead, Sam Moa, Mika Simon, Lewis Tierney, Brayden Wiliame, Fouad Yaha.
HEAD TO HEAD
Catalans Dragons head into this battle with seven victories in their last eight fixtures, with mid-season signing Josh Drinkwater inspiring the side up the Betfred Super League table, where they now lie three points above ninth-placed Leeds Rhinos.
Warrington Wolves will look to make it their ninth victory over the Dragons at home after claiming the points in their eight previous clashes at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
KEY BATTLE- Stefan Ratchford vs Tony Gigot
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Stefan Ratchford returned to action last week against Wigan after receiving a rest in his home side’s match against Salford, following his impressive performance for England against New Zealand in Denver. The England fullback has scored eight tries in the 2018 Super League campaign, assisting 14 more.
French international Tony Gigot has also impressed in his returning year, claiming the fullback spot from Papua New Guinea captain David Mead. This Thursday will see the two backs collide in what should be the clash of the night.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: 12/07/18
Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45
Referee: B. Thaler
WHO WILL WIN?
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