The Background
Wigan open their 2016 season with the visit of Catalans, who have been heavily tipped in some sections of the media.
The Team News
Joel Tomkins (knee) and Dom Crosby (hip) miss out for the Warriors while Willie Isa is set to make his debut
Catalans are without new signing Jodie Broughton, who sits on the sidelines along with captain Remi Casty and Thomas Bosc. Pat Richards returns to his former club for his Catalans debut, with Richie Myler, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart and Dave Taylor also set to make their first appearances for the club.
Predicted Line-Ups
Wigan: Tierney, Charnley, Sarginson, Gelling, Manfredi, Williams, Smith, Mossop, McIlourm, Flower, Bateman, Farrell, O’Loughlin Subs: Clubb, Tautai, Isa, Powell
Catalans: Gigot, Yaha, Inu, Duport, Richards, Carney, Myler, Anderson, Aiton, Elima, Stewart, Horo, Baitieri Subs: Taylor, Pelissier, Maria, Mounis
The stats
Wigan have won their last seven ‘home’ fixtures (including play-off successes in 2011 and 2012) against Catalans Dragons. The Warriors last tasted defeat against the French outfit at the DW Stadium on 8 April, 2011 (47-28).
Last 5 meetings:
Wigan 42, Catalans Dragons 16 (SLS8R4, 5/9/15) (at The Den, Millwall)
Catalans Dragons 58, Wigan 16 (SLR15, 23/5/15)
Wigan 34, Catalans Dragons 0 (SLR10, 12/4/15)
Catalans Dragons 16, Wigan 37 (SLR20, 12/7/14)
Wigan 22, Catalans Dragons 16 (SLR7, 28/3/14)
Super League summary
Wigan won 17 (includes wins in 2008, 2011 and 2012 play-offs)
Catalans Dragons won 8
1 draw
Wigan highest score: 58-0 (H, 2010) (also widest margin)
Catalans Dragons highest score: 58-16 (H, 2015) (also widest margin)
