Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors: Matt Peet expects ‘physical’ test in landmark Paris clash

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet is expecting a physical challenge from Catalans Dragons this weekend as his side heads to Paris for a landmark Super League fixture.

The Warriors face the Dragons at Stade Jean-Bouin on Saturday evening, with the match forming part of Catalans’ 20th anniversary celebrations in Super League and the competition’s 30th anniversary year.

Wigan arrive in the French capital on the back of last weekend’s emphatic 40-10 Challenge Cup final win over Hull KR at Wembley - but Peet believes they will need to be ‘very good’ against a Catalans side under the guidance of new head coach John Cartwright.

Cartwright enjoyed a winning start to life in charge a fortnight ago as the Dragons beat York Knights, and Peet expects the Australian’s influence to be evident.

“I think they’ll come out very physical,” Peet said. “They’ve had a couple of weeks to prepare for this, and John will have had an opportunity to make a mark on the squad.

“We know that John’s teams are fully committed and they’ll get the basics right and compete. But also, they’ve got some very talented players in the backline as well.

“I think Charlie Staines has been one of the best players in the competition so far this year. Their two halfbacks (Toby Sexton and Lewis Dodd) are very intelligent with a good skill set, and if you look at their outside backs, (Solomona) Faataape is killing it, and we all know what Matty Russell is capable of, so there is a lot of threat there, and they’ll be determined.

“It’s obviously a big occasion for them, so we’re under no illusions that we’ll have to be very good to get the win.”

Saturday’s game also serves as a celebration of Catalans’ contribution to Super League since joining the competition 20 years ago.

The French club have become one of the competition’s leading sides during that period, reaching Grand Finals and winning the Challenge Cup, while helping strengthen rugby league’s presence in France.

Peet has long admired the role Catalans have played in the game’s development.

“My experiences have always been fantastic around Catalans and French rugby league,” he said.

“I think there’s a genuine appetite for rugby league in that area of the world and I think the way the club’s been led and some of the players they’ve brought to the competition, the French players, right through from Laurent Frayssinous and Thomas Bosc, but also some of the overseas superstars.

“When you look at the heritage numbers at the Catalans stadium, there are some of the best names that have ever played the game. You’ve seen some unbelievable players brought to Super League via Catalans.

“I think it will be a great occasion for British supporters to go over there as well and enjoy the sun and the Catalans hospitality.

“My memories of being involved against Catalans and with Catalans have always been very competitive games. Particularly in the last 10 years or so, they’ve been involved in Grand Finals and Challenge Cups, so long may it continue.”