Rugby League: Warrington Wolves Prepare for Blockbuster Clash with Catalans Dragons in France
Warrington Wolves, led by Sam Burgess, have spent the entire week in the south of France leading up to their highly anticipated Super League clash with the Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
The Wire squad flew to France on Monday, less than 24 hours after their emphatic 46-10 victory over the Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup semi-final, securing their spot in the final at Wembley on June 8.
Warrington’s Pre-Match Preparations
While many other Super League clubs opted for pre-season training camps in warmer climates, Burgess decided to take his troops to one of Ant Middleton’s Army camps in Kent prior to their French excursion.
“We’ve basically taken the week we would have had in England and brought it to France,” Burgess explained on Wednesday. “I thought it would be a good time to get the players together, but we keep business as business as always. That’s the most important thing.”
The warmer weather in Canet has provided the Warrington squad with the opportunity to engage in some activities they wouldn’t typically be able to do at their Cheshire training complex, including enjoying the beach and the ocean. However, Burgess was quick to emphasize that the primary focus remains on the task at hand – securing a crucial two points against the Catalans.
“It’s a very long year, so I just felt it’s a good time for us to get away and get some training done in a different climate. Then for our downtime, we’ve got access to things like pools and the beach, the boys can walk out and get a coffee together, we’ve made sure they’ve got the right food and things like that,” Burgess said.
Anticipating a Tough Challenge
The Warrington boss is aware of the challenge that awaits his side, having lost to the Dragons twice already this season. He acknowledged the physical nature of their opponents and the threat posed by players like Arthur Mourgue, Jordan Abdull, and the team’s dominant wingers.
“It will be a great atmosphere – I believe there’s 1,000 Warrington fans come over which adds to the occasion. It’s going to be great for the players to experience that,” Burgess added.
With the team’s spirits high and the players bonding during their time in France, Warrington Wolves will be determined to overcome their previous defeats against the Catalans Dragons and come away with the crucial two points on Saturday.
🔗 Source
