Post Card from Canada - A Wigan Warriors observation of the Catalan Dragons game in the Betfred Super League

Written by Jill Savouré Heritage Number 129

Jill in Vegas!

A beautiful day for our beautiful game!

Good travelling support for Wigan, sun shining and not knowing what to expect from Catalan after a turbulent and somewhat confusing week for them. From a Wigan perspective, so great to see Ethan Havard back but I wince every time he gets the ball, a bit like watching Jai Field sprinting 50 years and shouting “slow down.” Those hamstrings are more precious than gold.

Catalan made one mistake after three minutes and Jai Field burned four Catalan players from 40 metres out on the first tackle to score close to the sticks. Catalan then kicked out on the full which would make any coach tear their hair out. Then they lost their Captain’s challenge after 12 minutes claiming no ball strip. Catalan started to find their feet but another mistake saw Liam Marshall streak down the side and pass to Sam Walters for another score.

Wigan’s discipline once again let them down with offsides, high tackles, and incorrect play the balls. Catalan were making very little ground but were gifted three sets on Wigan’s line and Marshall intercepted and went 85 yards. You had to feel for Catalan at this point.

Interestingly most of their attacking moves went to Wigan’s left side. You are not getting through Jake Wardle unless you are driving a Sherman tank. Frustration seemed to kick in for Catalan when they just booted the ball forward when getting it back on the last tackle and it flew over the back line. Bevan French was quiet in the first half but made a try saving tackle in the 38th minute to bundle the Catalan player into touch. 20-0 at half time. Nobody would have begrudged Catalan a try.

Second half, forgive me if I missed anything, hubby wanted food) Catalan’s poor form continued, got a six again and Satae dropped the ball on the first tackle. It was error strewn from both sides but credit to Catalan, Joel Tomkins said he only had two days to work with the players and they have injuries. They threw the ball around and tried to move it to the edges. Just as the commentators say Bevan was having a quiet game, he nails a 40/20 and Wigan are back on the front foot.

Keighran was outstanding to me today, he got an overlap, and passed to Bevan French for the try. More tries came from Marshall and Smith, but it was all over at that point. Wigan did not need to get out of second gear in the second half. Matty Peet commented that they focused on a defensive effort after leaking points so job done in attack and defence. Wigan were too fast, too strong, too powerful, but not too disciplined! Bonne chance les Dragons.

Massive Kudos to Bazza and Craig for great commentary, made my smile even wider!!! Best rugby league community out there!!!!

Well done Jill a great read, and for those who missed it, here is Bazza and Craig on debut on Watch Along Live!