Super League: Wakefield v Catalans betting preview and TV details

TV: Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

Catalans' charge to Coral Challenge Cup glory last season made the French club a popular pick as dark horses to win a first ever Betfred Super League crown this year and Steve McNamara’s men look a value bet to pick up the points at Wakefield.

The Dragons are 6-4 to follow their 27-10 success against Huddersfield with victory over winless Wakey.

Trinity have produced back-to-back fifth-place finishes despite having one of the lowest wage bills in the competition but are likely to find it difficult to keep punching above their weight.

Chris Chester’s team produced an abject opening effort when going down at wooden spoon favourites London but were much better last time out when they were edged out 24-18 at home to St Helens thanks to a late Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook score.

Wakefield have always prided themselves on a strong home record - numbering Saints and Wigan among their victims at Belle Vue in 2018 - but Catalans triumphed 35-18 on Trinity soil last July.

The big-spending French club acquired the services of superstar full-back Sam Tomkins and wily scrum-half Matty Smith in the off-season and coach McNamara is able to welcome back David Mead, Benjamin Garcia and Antoni Maria, although prop Julian Bousquet is an injury absentee.

Wakefield have worse injury problems in their pack with captain Danny Kirmond out with a bicep injury and Craig Huby missing after suffering a dislocated shoulder.

On top of that, Chester has spent much of the build-up denying rumours that star forward David Fifita is about to join neighbours Leeds.

The hosts look vulnerable 4-6 favourites and the Dragons, who have won on this ground in three of the last four seasons, appeal at 6-4 and at even-money with a four-point handicap start for punters who prefer additional insurance.

Winger Brayden Wiliame, who bagged a brace of tries in Catalans' win over Huddersfield, has notched three times in his last two appearances against Wakefield. He’s 7-4 to add to that tally this evening and 16-1 to open the try scoring.

Recommendations
Catalans +4
2pts Evs Betfred, Betway
Catalans
1pt 6-4 general

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