Squad for the trip to Barcelona. No Smith and no Samkins.

Gigot, Mead, Williame, Tierney, Langi, Casty, McIlorum, Moa, Edwards, Garcia, Bird, Bousquet, Simon, Jullien, Whitley, Da Costa, Baitieri, Yaha, Kasiano.

Wigan:

Bullock, Burgess, Clubb, Escaré, Flower, Gildart, Greenwood, Hankinson, Hardaker, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, Navarrete, O'Loughlin, Powell, Sarginson, Smithies, Tautai, Williams.

Despite little Sam not playing I am still looking forward to this one.

Surprised Albert isn't in there given the lack of creativity. Smells of a classic McBanana safety first line-up.

Which asks the question; is there a responsibility on us - both sides, actually - to chuck it about and entertain, try and enthuse this potential new audience? I doubt that people with no or only a little familiarity with the game would not be too thrilled with a Maguire/Wane style wrestle-a-thon.

At the end of the day its for two super league points, the game should be played with this in mind. It's not a pre season friendly

I know, and I appreciate that. But it is bigger than that at the same time. Isn't it?
I don't know - I'm just spitballing here. Something that occurred to me on the commute this morning

Your actually right but we want it to be a blood and thunder cup type game and not a glorified game of tick and pass. Let the locals see a good physical game with a few long range tries if possible

I think that’s exactly what they got. Good strong performance.

Well done Catalans on winning and for creating such a fantastic event. I hope this becomes an annual event and it’s Catalans v Leeds next year.

https://ukcatalansdragons.blogspot.com/ ... p-nou.html Here is our take on the day.

https://ukcatalansdragons.blogspot.com/ ... p-nou.html Here is our take on the day.

That went well, then

Result that. Quite fancying one of those jerseys - one every 13 years is about right. Wonder what the sizing is like.

Oh, and "hello again everyone"

Hello mate. Welcome back

Yeah, twins coincided with my father-in-law passing, both of which put a big break on my going to league matches. I tried to explain to my son that the Challenge Cup Final win was a bigger deal than England making the semi-finals in the 11 man game...

So, Barcalona Madness for 2021?

Congratulations and commiserations.

Barca looks a long shot for Magic next year. As Spurs try to make their new ground pay, they seem to be interested. And money talks.