Sitting on the fence a little aren't we my mate

No better time to play them.

So last year, they only lost to Sts on the road on the cold dark nights.
And they beat us with half a team.
So we need to take it seriously. Its not about the weather, its about our attitude.

I hope we aren’t expecting the Catalans of old to rock up. They’ve shed a few big forwards and look more mobile.

With some pacy and speedy back I fully expect them to attack behind the ruck and on the edges more than down the middle.

So Wakefield are strong favourites to win the opening round

I mean Catalan are missing their 1st choice spine, don’t travel well, it’ll be a cold, dark February Friday and we’re at home

We are far from favourites. We are missing 4 from starting 13 also. The cold doesn’t make a jot of difference.

It’s Catalans edges that are the danger.

Bookies make Catalans 4/6 Favourites
or
Handicap 4 points start for Trinity

Do not think the 4 players who are out would make us much better Apart from 2 or 3 players we got a squad were it does not matter who is in or out it will not make us stronger or weaker .

I don’t agree tbh.

I think Tanginoa would make a huge difference to our edge attacking options. Assuming he’s not for still.

Hood is a good starting 9 who has strong defence in the middle.

Bowden is for me a good starting prop. We lose the option of impact from the bench too with Atoni starting.

Crowther is our only recognised 13 in the whole squad.

I think we lose quite a bit tbh with those.

Catalans have a bit more quality in depth than trinity to cover imo also.

I am backing us to win at home though. I really hope we come out with that aggressive defence that was on show that second half vs fev.

We haven’t really seen our strongest team yet in pre season. May or may not work to our benefit.

Either way I just can’t wait for Friday!

these possible 2 points are going to really count relgation wise - be good to pick up 2 very early and with them with their halfs out we should and with a tough draw after this we might be couting our points already

It would be great to have the full squad to choose from but, that rarely happens.
We have enough to be able to win the game which is all that matters.
Whether this will happen is up to those that do play and how sharp Catalan are.

Looking forward to it !

Tanginoa is fit to play, although MA isn`t sure if he will hold him back this week.

Tough one but for me if he’s fit he would come onto bench and swap with Pitts who can do a spell at Loose to give Proctor a break for 20/30.

Not injured is not the same as fit to play.
He hasn't played a warm up game yet so Mash said he may give him a run out elsewhere first.

Yes I agree, sorry what I should of said is he available should we wish to play him, it`s a tough call because I think he gives us something that the other forwards don`t but he we wouldn`t be up to his usual minutes, depends how "fit" he is at this point.