Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons play their penultimate match of the season on Saturday when they clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
In terms of competitive edge there won’t be one because neither side can make the playoffs now but Warrington have a few players playing their final home match here which might inspire the Wolves.
Those players are Roy Asotasi, Joel Monaghan and Richie Myler while Gareth O’Brien has also been told he’s on his way at the end of the season so they’ll want to go out on a high I’m sure.
Warrington’s form in recent times has been woeful it has to be said. They’ve lost four of their last five with the only respite coming against a bashed up Hull side. In three of those matches they were taken to the cleaners. Huddersfield steamrolled them last week in a very worrying Wolves performance.
Catalans haven’t been their best this season but if anyone had any doubts as to how good they are or can be on their day they found out big style last week when they tore Leeds apart with one of the most free flowing performances of the season.
Gareth O’Brien has been added to Tony Smith’s squad for this match and he is set to partner Myler in the halves. Warrington will need the likes of Ben Westwood and Chris Hill to stand up to the Calatans power here.
Catalans could give a debut to a couple of players ahead of next season but their important spine of Morgan Escare, Todd Carney, Scott Dureau and Ian Henderson will still be intact.
Catalans haven’t been known to be particularly good travellers this season but we saw their attitude last week was one of ‘we’re going to throw the ball around and have some fun’ and I’m not sure there is a more dangerous side in the competition when they are on that form.
That attitude might bring the Wolves out of their shell and we might get a classic on our hands here but Warrington have looked a beaten side feeling sorry for themselves for way too long now and that has to be a concern going forward.
It isn’t always the safest play taking Catalans on the road so rather than take them to win the match, which it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightly were they to do so, I’ll respect their poor road record and take them with the helpful eight point start which looks big if they are in the right mood.
Back Catalans (+8) to beat Warrington for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with BetVictor
Blog RL YTD: +20.99pts
