SL Preview: Warrington v Catalan

James Gordon

Catalan take one of only two 100% records left in Super League to last season’s Grand Finalists Warrington on Friday.

The Dragons have picked up victories against Salford and Hull KR so far, while the Wolves were held to a 17-17 draw by Wigan last time out.

It provides a stern test for new coach Laurent Frayssinous, in his first season as a Super League number one, against one of the best in the business in Tony Smith.

Warrington are virtually at full strength, with only Ben Harrison missing through injury, but the Dragons are missing Julian Bousquet and Gregory Mounis through suspension and injury respectively.

Mickael Simon and William Barthau are drafted in in their place.

Warrington 19-man squad: Atkins, Briers, Carvell, Cooper, Evans, Grix, Higham, Hill, Hodgson, McCarthy, J Monaghan, M Monaghan, Morley, Myler, Ratchford, Riley, Waterhouse, Westwood, Wood.

Catalan 19-man squad: Webb, Blanch, Pryce, Taia, Bosc, Elima, Henderson, Casty, Menzies, Anderson, Barthau, Pelissier, Larroyer, Millard, Simon, Pala, Fakir, Baitieri, Duport.

Prediction: Warrington don’t often go two games without winning, and they won’t this early in the season – home win.

Last ten meetings:

Warrington 15, Catalan Dragons 6 (SLR20, 9/7/12)
Catalan Dragons 22, Warrington 32 (CCQF, 13/5/12)
Catalan Dragons 44, Warrington 16 (SLR11, 9/4/12)
Catalan Dragons 12, Warrington 25 (SLR25, 20/8/11)
Warrington 20, Catalan Dragons 22 (SLR8, 3/4/11)
Catalan Dragons 12, Warrington 54 (CCSF, 8/8/10) (at Stobart Stadium, Widnes)
Catalan Dragons 29, Warrington 28 (SLR23, 24/7/10) (at Stade Aime Giral)
Warrington 40, Catalan Dragons 6 (SLR12, 25/4/10)
Catalan Dragons 12, Warrington 24 (SLR16, 20/6/09) (at Olympic Stadium, Barcelona)
Warrington 20, Catalan Dragons 40 (SLR2, 21/2/09)

Super League summary

Warrington won 7
Catalan Dragons won 9 (includes win in 2008 play-offs)
Warrington highest score: 44-16 (A, 2006) (Widest margin: 40-6, H, 2010)
Catalan Dragons highest score: 52-14 (H, 2008) (Widest margin: 52-14, H, 2008; 46-8, H, 2008 EPO)

Super League Catalan Dragons