Liam Farrell outlines Wigan Warriors ‘biggest task’ after Wembley glory as Paris awaits

Wigan Warriors captain Liam Farrell admits the biggest challenge facing his side this week is ensuring they are mentally ready to go again after the highs of last weekend’s Challenge Cup final triumph at Wembley.

The Warriors produced a stunning display to beat Hull KR 40-10 under the famous arch on Saturday, securing a record-extending 22nd Challenge Cup title for the club.

But there is little time to dwell on that success, with Matt Peet’s side returning to Super League action on Saturday when they take on Catalans Dragons in a historic fixture at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris.

Catalans are taking the game to the French capital as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations in Super League, while the competition itself is marking its 30th anniversary.

For Farrell, the key task this week has been making sure Wigan are focused on the next challenge in the French capital.

“That’s probably the biggest task for us at the moment,” Farrell said.

“All the emotions are still on a high, and rightly so, we still want to celebrate what we did over the weekend, and the biggest thing for us now is to try to get back on track with Super League.

“Obviously, we’ve got another big occasion coming up, so we know we’ve got a challenge ahead of us.

“It was our first day back in today (Wednesday), we blew some cobwebs off, got out on the field, got the ball moving again, and we’ll get ready for the weekend because Catalans are a quality team and have caused sides a lot of trouble this year, so we know we’ve got a challenge ahead of us.”

Catalans have endured an inconsistent campaign so far, but Farrell knows the Dragons will be determined to rise to the occasion in front of a large crowd in Paris.

The Wigan skipper also remembers all too well the last time the Warriors played a showpiece fixture against Catalans away from Perpignan.

“I think in my memory, any time we’ve played Catalans, particularly at a different venue, the one that springs to mind is Barcelona in 2019,” he said.

“They sort of embarrassed us that day, they put a big score on us and we didn’t really live up to the challenge.

“So we know they’ll be up for the game, there will be a big French crowd on in the city of Paris, so we know we’ve got a challenge ahead of us.

“But I think the biggest thing for us this week is making sure we’re prepared mentally.

“The emotions and highs of the weekend, to do it all again will be difficult but I think we’re quite a well-rounded group with a lot of experience in big games, so hopefully we’re ready for this challenge as well.”

Farrell believes Saturday’s fixture is an important one not just for Wigan and Catalans, but for the wider game.

“To be playing in a city like Paris is great,” he said. “We get to go there and take the travelling Wigan fans, who are unbelievable.

“To do what they did at the weekend, travelling down to London with us, spending the time down there and financially spending the money to get down there was great from them.

“But for them to back up this weekend, go to Paris and see us play there, that will be unbelievable.

“And then obviously for the Super League to venture out again and try something different. We’re representing the sport, not just our club, so hopefully we can put on a good spectacle - both us and Catalans.”

The 35-year-old back-rower also paid tribute to the supporters making another costly trip to follow the Warriors just one week after Wembley.

“I know exactly how they feel - I’ve got family who are doing the same thing,” Farrell said. “It’s a big ask of them, but we know how much it means to them to follow our club and we know we’re in a very fortunate position to play for this club.

“So when fans have the chance to follow us in different places like London and Paris - we’ve had Australia in the past - when we see the fans, we know it means a lot to them and that’s an added bonus to us, and it makes us play that bit better as well.”

The Round 13 Super League fixture between Catalans and Wigan takes place at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris on Saturday evening, 7:30pm kick-off (6:30pm UK). The game will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports + Channel.