Wakefield Wildcats v Catalans Dragons: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 02/04/15 10:37pm
Wakefield Wildcats welcome back captain Danny Kirmond for Thursday's First Utility Super League tie with Catalans Dragons at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.
Kirmond missed last weekend’s loss at Wigan after suffering a series of knocks but he has been named in James Webster’s 19-man squad.
Tim Smith and Jacob Millar are also included after recovering from injury, with Tim Johnstone and Jordan Crowther dropping out as the Wildcats attempt to halt a five-game losing streak.
"We are still unsure as to what our team will be, as four or five of the players are yet to complete full training with the team this week," said Webster.
"We are looking forward to this game and we have tried to focus hard on ourselves this week."
The Dragons are also struggling for form and have conceded 161 points in their last four fixtures, and they will be without full-back Morgan Escare for the first time in 18 months.
Escare has been slapped with a one-match ban for making dangerous contact with Rob Burrow during last weekend’s home defeat to Leeds Rhinos.
With Todd Carney, Vincent Duport and Michael Oldfield still injured, Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous has called up young reserve half-back Stan Robin, who could make his Super League debut.
Forward Greg Mounis has recovered from injury and takes the place of Jeff Lima.
Wakefield Wildcats: Joe Arundel, Dean Collis, George Griffin, Craig Hall, Jordan Hand, Danny Kirmond, Ali Lauitiiti, Paul McShane, Jacob Miller, Richard Owen, Chris Riley, Matt Ryan, Jarrod Sammut, Nick Scruton, Mickael Simon, Daniel Smith, Tim Smith, Kyle Trout, Danny Washbrook.
Catalans Dragons: Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet, Damien Cardace, Remi Casty, Scott Dureau, Olivier Elima, Benjamin Garcia, Ian Henderson, Antoni Maria, Greg Mounis, Mathias Pala, Eloi Pelissier, Ben Pomeroy, Stan Robin, Zeb Taia, Willie Tonga, Elliott Whitehead.