Sean O'Loughlin still the key man for Wigan Warriors, says Joel Tomkins

That will be the two-word instruction Joel Tomkins expects to hear when Catalans begin preparations for tomorrow’s clash with Wigan.

The Dragons squad has been in isolation for two weeks after four cases of Covid-19 in the club.

But they will be cleared to train together for the first time again today.

And ex-Warrior Tomkins says the expected return of captain Sean O’Loughlin from a minor back/hamstring injury to be the focal point of their planning.

“He makes them into a different team, so whether he’s playing will be a big say,” said Tomkins.

“If he is, he will be the main focus of our preparation.

“I’m sure Steve (McNamara) will have some clips for.

“It’s mad he’s still got that pull – it’s crazy he’s 37 and he still makes them a different team.”

Regardless of whether O’Loughlin plays in France or not, Tomkins is expecting a Wigan backlash following their heaviest defeat of the season.

They went down 34-18 to another of Tomkins’ former clubs, Hull KR.

“It was a surprise but from my short time with Tony Smith, I know he likes to play the game a bit differently, and it can catch teams out,” said the 33-year-old, who had two stints with hometown club Wigan.

“It’s probably not a good time for us to play them because they rarely put in two poor performances in a row.”

Ethan Havard and Joe Bullock also return to the Wigan mix.

The trio, who missed last week’s loss to Hull KR, have been included in the 21-man squad.

George Burgess is also in the panel, though Adrian Lam suggested he was unlikely to play due to a hip problem.

They replace Ben Flower – who is starting a suspension – as well as Liam Byrne, Amir Bourouh and Chris Hankinson from last week’s provisional squad.