But the point is Wane should have played them last night rather than next week against Catalans. (He might still rest them anyway.)

There would have been longer to get over any injuries.

Catalans are a big side. So there's more chance of actually getting injured , especially on their midden.

Absolutely agree, I hope Shaun Wane has the same idea! I think a strong team will go to France, we need a good win.

I wouldn't play them in Catalans. It's obvious that eyes are on Wembley and that's understandable and I'm not sure how you stop it but in a competition where the Champions are decided by playoffs it isn't a bad thing.

:2jmqsors"

I have read this a few times in the last few days that we are guaranteed a place in the top 4 play offs.
Leeds are only 2 points behind Wigan, so with the form Wigan are showing at present and looking at the remaining fixtures left, Leeds can easily finish in front of Wigan in 4th.
How ironic that would be, =#FF0000:2jmqsors:2jmqsorsWigan having to win it from 5th:2jmqsors

tbh I wouldn't mind having to win it from 5th means we have to go away the last 2 weeks of the play offs which I prefer and also means we don't get a week off which can be a bad and you can lose some momentum, the last 3 seasons the champions have played every week of the play offs.

Wigan can't mathematically finish in 5th place

I bet he will play his strongest side possible and we get 3 major injuries from it. Wane is developing a god complex and does the opposite of waht he should.

Tomkins, Flower, Lockers, Smith will play.

It's a huge conondrum, same with us today at HKR. I'd be amazed if we don't lose someone through injury or suspension from this game. We can't afford anyone else missing with the key players we already know won't be at wembley (Horne, Crooks, McDonnel). I'm more worried about that today than the result if I'm being totally honest.

I'm happy to come 8th and hopefully have a big away game at Saints which once again portrays the daftness of the current league structure.

Now it appears we have lost Lineham, one of our very few strike players who wigan would actually be worried about, so do you still want Wane to pick all his stars against the French?

That would be a shame.

Whilst obviously helping the Wigan cause I think for the sake of the game both teams need to field their best players and put on a real good show.

The cup final is one time when a lot of nonRL fans tune in and watch.

Yes, we've been going a long way to beating ourselves of late, regardless of who lines up for the opposition. IMO the Wembley 17 needs a game against Catalans to try and get some cohesion back in our attack.

Me personally, yes. Our "first team", the semi-final apart, haven't played together since the easter period, they need game time together.

Personally I don't buy into the travel issues / player fatigue associated with going to Perpignan, it's only 2 hours on a plane FFS. Wane could have done (may have done?) what Leeds did earlier in the season and charter a plane to be in and out on the same day, on that occasion the Rhino's came away with a win.

Regardless I think you will take a strong squad to Catalan with only Tomkins & O'Loughlin noteable absentees, current form (London CC aside) must be a worry for Wane.

Waney's view is play our strongest team.

[urlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23667056?[/url

i feel sorry for anyone making the trip

Catalans are likely to defeat Wigan comfortably.

Yeah, they are in such wonderful form aren't they.

Bradford Bulls 22 - 23 Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons 6 - 26 St Helens
Salford City Reds 16 - 12 Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons 13 - 24 Hull FC
Catalans Dragons 34 - 28 London Broncos
Huddersfield Giants 60 - 16 Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons 21 - 22 Hull KR

Catalans are in terrible form. But they realize that they must win this one if they are to have a home game in the playoffs, which means that they must stay 2 points ahead of Hull FC and at least equal points with Hull KR to ensure 6th place. They play Wigan at home, Leeds away and Warrington at home: a nightmare draw. Wigan would appear to be the easiest of the three, given the club's unimpressive form without Tomkins and O'Loughlin.

I think Wane has something to prove, can he get a Wigan team playing well without Sam? Lets start thid week at Cats.

Me too.

Supping back the ale in 35 degree heat and watching a bit of rugby league in to the bargain would be enough to push me over the edge

Whatever the result I will enjoy the experience. Hot weather, good food, beer and of course the rugby. Fantastic four days ahead for me. Beats being at work.

Me too, in fact if anyone wants to donate their flights, accomodation and match tickets to me I'd be willing to save them the stress

I will be amazed if Sam plays at Cats.

I was planning to go, and would have been leaving tomorrow morning. Sadly i have had to cancel, but still wish i was going... It's a GREAT trip...

Whoever plays it's gong to be hard. The heat down here is unbelievable. Even at 6.00. Lots of fluids will be needed. ( for players and fans)

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