Wigan vs Catalans

[ParraEelsNRL]

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/07/06/15/manual_074731.html

POTTER PUTS CUP TO ONE SIDE

Catalans Dragons coach Mick Potter insists his side are focused solely on engage Super League points as they prepare to face Carnegie Challenge Cup opponents Wigan tonight.
The Dragons returned to France to a hero's welcome after reaching the cup semi-finals with a superb victory at Hull last Sunday.
Their reward in Wednesday's draw was a last-four clash against record winners Wigan, a side they will see at close quarters at the JJB Stadium this evening.
The July 29 cup clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium will be the biggest game in the French club's short history, but Potter is determined to put it to the back of his players' minds.
Potter said: "We came back to the airport and there were 200 to 300 people there chanting and cheering and all the colours were out.
"It was great to see all the people showing their appreciation for what we have done and hopefully they will come across to see us in the semi-final.
"It'll be fantastic for the club and for French rugby league but the experience of the Challenge Cup we will put aside now and focus on Wigan in Super League.
"We're desperate for points in the competition and are slowly slipping down the ladder. We want to keep pace with the [top] six."
The Dragons go into the game ninth in the competition, three points behind fourth-placed Wigan but just four ahead of bottom side Salford in a tightly-packed table.
They hope to welcome back the versatile Casey McGuire and Gregory Mounis, both of whom been troubled by rib problems.
Wigan must make do without trio Gareth Hock, Iafeta Paleaaesina and Shane Millard, who have all picked up injuries this week.

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyle...TORY_NAME=rleague/07/06/14/manual_164110.html

WIGAN AND DRAGONS FACE REHEARSAL

Wigan and Catalans Dragons face eachother in the engage Super League on Friday at the JJB Stadium, just two days after they were drawn against each other in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Both clubs have injury problems with Wigan having lost Shane Millard, Gareth Hock and Iafeta Paleaaesina this week.
The Dragons could at least have Casey McGuire and Gregory Mounis back but they have now learnt that forward Jamal Fakir's knee problem has added him to the long-term casualty list.
Catalans are still celebrating one of the greatest results in their short history after last Sunday's cup win at Hull, but coach Mick Potter insists he will have no problem motivating the players.
"We're desperate for points in the competition and are slowly slipping down the ladder," Potter said.
"We want to keep pace with the top six, if we can get there. It won't be a comedown for the players, they are pretty driven and motivated.
"The experience of the Challenge Cup we will put aside now and focus on Wigan in Super League."

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Come on Catalans, win this game.

You were unlucky the first time you played wigan this year, loosing in the 79th minute after dominating the game, win this and prove you are a good side that can give season 2007 a real shake.

 

[brendothejet]

Go Catalans!

I'll be wearing the jersey around with pride this week!

 

[AlbertRosenfeld]

Catalans lost 30-0.

14-0 at half time. The French had the better of the game for the first 20 minutes. Murphy in a chase for the ball went flying over the fence head first and landed on the concrete on his back. People at first feared he was badly hurt, but he recovered partly, though not fully. Then Mogg was sin binned for holding down and Wigan, spearheaded by Trent Barrett, scored two tries in five minutes, to lead 14-0 at half time.

In the second half, even with Mogg back, the team were unable to improve. Rainy weather was a factor for both sides, but in the second half Les Catalans handled it worse and seemed to have lost their way. Wigan were without Palea'aesina and Hock.

Les Catalans will have to improve greatly to have a chance in the CC semi final. Hopefully Raguin and Fellous will be back.