October 4, 2020

Catalans vs Trinity – Match Preview

Match preview by Emma Holley

Wakefield face the Dragons this weekend, all the way over in Perpignan, where they will be looking to build on a much improved performance against Wigan last Friday. 

Although Trinity found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard last week, there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

Trinity:

Chris Chester has made just one change ahead of Sunday’s clash, with youngster Innes Senior coming in for David Fifita. The final 17 is likely to be similar to last week – a privilege Trinity have barely had since Super League’s return.

Trinity were in with a chance up until the the final quarter last week, when Wigan’s strength capitalised with three tries in seven minutes to seal the Cherry and Whites the win.

In his press conference this week with BBC Radio Leeds’ James Deighton, Chester said: “We’re going to do it (Catalans) there and back in a day; it’ll be an early start and a late finish, but we’re ready.”

“We had a couple of good sessions Wednesday and today. I’m just pleased we’re starting to get some bodies back, and by the start of next week, we pretty much should have the majority of the squad to pick from, which is a real positive step.”

Speaking of the previous Catalans fixture, where Trinity were soundly beaten at the beginning of the restart, Chester said: “I think we’re a different team (now). We’ve different personnel and different structures. It was a big eye-opener and a result we never saw coming; one that put us in our place.

“There were lots of positive signs last week (against Wigan). I thought we were very physical, and we can take a lot from last week’s performance.”

Dragons:

Steve McNamara has named his 21-man squad, which sees David Mead return from injury.

It is a quick turnaround for the Dragons, who secured a comfortable win over Leeds Rhinos on Wednesday.

Sunday is therefore expected to be a tough encounter.

There will be plenty of ones to watch for the Catalans team, including the Tomkins brothers, Joel and Sam, who are known for their experiences both in finals and internationally.

NRL stars James Maloney and Israel Folau are other ones to watch, as well as the likes of Fouad Yaha, Jason Baitieri, and the lively playmaker of Josh Drinkwater. Hooker Michael McIlorum is also an expansive key player to look out for.

Previous meetings:

Trinity met with Catalans just two months ago, and lost out 58-0 in the league fixture and 36-24 in the Challenge Cup.

Their last victory against the Dragons was in February 2019, where they claimed a 22-12 win in front of a home crowd.

Wakefield also achieved a league double over Catalans in 2018, edging in 14-12 in a scorching Perpignan that year, before a 34-22 Super 8s victory at Belle Vue.

Sunday’s match may not be televised, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the Trinity Twitter page for continual updates!

Trinity (21-man squad): A. Walker, Johnstone, Tupou, Lyne, Jones-Bishop, Miller, Wood, Arona, Ashurst, Westerman, Pitts, Kopczak, Green, Tangata, Crowther, B. Walker, Tanginoa, Navarrete, Gigot, Senior.

Dragons (21-man squad): Mead, Langi, Folau, Yaha, Maloney, Drinkwater, Casty, McIlorum, Moa, Whitley, J. Tomkins, Garcia, Bousquet, Davies, Jullien, Goudemand, Romano, Baitieri, Mourgue, Kasiano, S. Tomkins.