Catalans Dragons vs Wakefield Trinity Preview

The Lowdown

CATALANS DRAGONS

• The Catalans have not won any of their last four matches after a bright start to the season and that is largely down to a leaky defence and the loss of injured star Greg Bird.
• Thomas Bosc is a major doubt for the Dragons and they will give him as long as possible to recover for this game due to their lack of options with Gigot already out, so he will be a game-time decision.
• Brayden Wiliame is out injured also so that should see Lucas Albert come into the squad for a game that they desperately need to get a result from.

Head Coach: Laurent Frayssinous

Squad: Paul Aiton, Lucas Albert, Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet, Luke Burgess, Remi Casty, Alrix Da Costa, Vincent Duport, Ben Garcia, Justin Horo, Krisnan Inu, Thibaut Margalet, Sam Moa, Richie Myler, Iain Thornley, Luke Walsh, Fouad Yaha

Unavailable: Tony Gigot (Suspended), Greg Bird (Thumb), Brayden Wiliame (Injured), Jodie Broughton, Mickael Simon

WAKEFIELD TRINITY

• Wakefield put in a stirring second half performance against Leigh last week to score 16 unanswered points to come back from 24-12 to win 28-24 and pick up their third win of the season.
• Chris Chester has named the same set of 19 players that they used last week in the win over Leigh so they have good continuity within the squad at present.
• Wakefield boss Chris Chester has signed a new two-year deal at the club as recognition for his excellent work at the helm so that will see him in charge until 2019.

Head Coach: Chris Chester

Squad: Mitch Allgood, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, James Batchelor, David Fifita, Liam Finn, Scott Grix, Dean Hadley, Craig Huby, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Danny Kirmond, Jacob Miller, Bill Tupou, Anthony Walker, Sam Williams, Kyle Wood

Unavailable: Reece Lyne (Knee), Anthony England (Foot), Mason Caton-Brown, Jordan Crowther, Chris Annakin, Mikey Sio

Analysis - what to expect
The Catalans have been in disappointing form of late but they will benefit from returning to their home ground after some tough away matches. They face a Wakefield side who have won 3 of their 6 matches so far, but the Dragons will fancy their chances. Although their leaky defence has conceded 46, 28 and 43 points in the last three matches, Wakefield have only scored more than 24 points once this season and may not be capable of capitalising. The hosts should have the edge in firepower in what should be a tight game.