Wakefield Trinity v Catalans Dragons - Chris Chester confident of response in Challenge Cup following Super League humiliation against French foes

CHRIS Chester is confident his Wakefield Trinity side will produce a response in today's Challenge Cup contest against Catalans Dragons - after they were hammered by the same opponents in Super League last weekend.
AFTERNOON TO FORGET: Catalans Dragons ran in 10 tries during last weekend's win over Wakefield. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comAFTERNOON TO FORGET: Catalans Dragons ran in 10 tries during last weekend's win over Wakefield. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
AFTERNOON TO FORGET: Catalans Dragons ran in 10 tries during last weekend's win over Wakefield. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Wakefield were well beaten by the French outfit seven days ago, succumbing to a 58-0 loss at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.

Trinity have an early shot at redemption, however, as they prepare to face the same opponents in today's sixth-round cup match.

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The tie is the only fixture to be played this weekend with Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium the host venue for the clash which will be shown on BBC One.

"It soon got put to bed at training on Monday," said Chester of last weekend's hammering.

"The players know the result was unacceptable. I had never questioned their attitude and effort before but I certainly did after the weekend.

"We have worked a lot more defensively this week. We lost a day last week so we didn't have great preparation going into the game.

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"They played a little bit different to what they had the first week against Castleford so we got caught a little bit off guard.

BIG MISS: Sam Tomkins is suspended although Israel Folau is poised to return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.BIG MISS: Sam Tomkins is suspended although Israel Folau is poised to return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
BIG MISS: Sam Tomkins is suspended although Israel Folau is poised to return. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

"We have certainly had a lot more time this week to prepare for Catalans and you certainly learn a lot more in defeat and we learnt a hell of a lot last week.

"I expect a response this week and I'm confident we will get that."

The Dragons will welcome back Israel Folau who missed last weekend's game as his wife gave birth to a baby boy.

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Sam Tomkins and Sam Moa are both absent for Catalans after they were both handed bans by the RFL's disciplinary panel.

HITTING BACK: Wakefield Trinity face Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, a week after losing 58-0 when the sides met in Super League. Picture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.HITTING BACK: Wakefield Trinity face Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, a week after losing 58-0 when the sides met in Super League. Picture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
HITTING BACK: Wakefield Trinity face Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, a week after losing 58-0 when the sides met in Super League. Picture: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

Reece Lyne will be absent for Wakefield as he was also hit with a suspension although Innes Senior is in line to make his debut after joining on loan from Huddersfield Giants this week.

"We prepared for the best team but we obviously found out Sam Tomkins was suspended at a similar time to Reece," continued Chester.

"I thought Sam Tomkins was exceptional last week and he is one of the best full-backs in the competition, if not the best, certainly defensively.

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"We have done a lot of homework on Folau, he is another special player for Catalans. He is a handful in yardage and when he gets some early ball.

"He caused Castleford a lot of problems, we would like to think we are a lot more prepared for Catalans this week."

Chester added: "Innes will play tomorrow. We got contacted by Simon Woolford and the guys from Huddersfield asking if we needed an outside back.

"After losing Lee Kershaw and Tom Johnstone, Reece Lyne got suspended and without Joe Arundel we are pretty skinny there.

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"We have been able to bring Innes in, he has got some experience playing at Huddersfield. We have only worked with him for two sessions but we can offer him some regular game time and he just wants to play."

With Trinity off the pace in Super League, a Challenge Cup run looks to be the best chance at success this season.

The winners of today's sixth-round contest will face Salford Red Devils - who were one of six Super League clubs to receive a bye - in the last eight.

Chester added: "If we win this game at the weekend we go into the quarter final and we have not been there for a few years.

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"There is no better game than to play Catalans again after they gave us a toweling.

"We learnt a lot from the game and we have had a bit more prep. We are looking forward to getting out there."

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James Mitchinson