The second and final day of the Super League Magic Weekend kicks off on Sunday with the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats taking on the Catalans Dragons at St James’ Park.
With Warrington’s defeat on Saturday a win here will take the Catalans two points clear at the top of the table which is a huge incentive for them while Wakefield can move seven points clear of the bottom four for a few hours at least should they win.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
It looked like being another wretched season for Wakefield after they had only secured their Super League status for the campaign by virtue of winning the Million Pound Match last season. Brian Smith left them and they looked in a right mess but all of a sudden things are looking up.
They have put an excellent run together in the Super League and they are into the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup and you sense there is an air of optimism around Belle Vue for the first time in quite a while so they can enjoy their day out here.
Catalans Dragons
The Dragons have been talked up as dark horses for quite a while now but that talk was with greater volume going into this season and the French outfit haven’t disappointed. There has been a bit of criticism come their way for their recruitment policy but those signings are working a treat.
Catalans went into the Magic Weekend as the second highest scorers in Super League which is a credit to their attack but they also had the second meanest defence too and that is probably the thing that will please them the most about their campaign so far.
Team news
Wakefield knocked off the leaders Warrington last week and make one change to their squad here with Anthony England out with suspension. Stuart Howarth returns in his place. Bill Tupou is hoping to make the starting line up.
Catalans eased past Huddersfield last week without Dave Taylor and Jason Baitieri who were suspended. Both return for this match to really pep up the Dragons’ forward pack. Ritchie Myler picked up an injury last week and he misses out here so Thomas Bosc will move to scrum half.
Betting
To be fair to Wakefield this run of form they are on is quite something when you think of where they were when it began but there have been times they have been quite fortunate. I don’t mean to intentionally take anything away from them but they got Wigan at a good time when they were decimated with illness and the same goes for Warrington and injuries, as we saw in their match with Castleford on Saturday.
Wakefield are going to have to produce their very best in this match to contain this rampant Catalans Dragons side. The Dragons can overpower sides down the middle but they have plenty of power and mite in the three quarters and that area of the field can always do damage at the Magic Weekend with the larger pitch.
This Catalans attack is scary and while you’ve got to tip your hat to Wakefield for this purple patch of form they have found, I think they will find the going a little too tough here. Catalans have a platform to put on a bit of a show here and I don’t think they’ll disappoint anyone.
Tips
Back Catalans (-8) to beat Wakefield for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016
