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Mike Eccles: "A warm welcome back to Plough Lane!"

Jake Watson • 4 August 2024

A warm welcome back to Plough Lane, literally! We are very excited to be back home after a long time on the road. We’ve just come off the back of two back-to-back Friday night away games in which we only ever return to London from in the early hours of the day after; so, a nine day turn around into a true home game back at Wimbledon is a welcome return.

 

Today should bring about a great day of entertaining rugby league. We understand the physical challenge from a very big and powerful Dragons team. However, we will look to use the good conditions to move their big pack around. Our skill will need to be good and our execution even better for us to deliver on the game plan. I have every faith though that the boys will bring their very best. The combination of Rourke, Leyland, Campagnolo and Parata is another week bedded in and we are hopeful they can shine as a spine today. 

 

Regarding the team, Lewis Bienek misses out with HIA protocols, whilst Robbie Storey and Lee Kershaw come back into the 17. On the Injury front, Alex Walker is still struggling with a back issue, whilst Emmanuel Waine misses out with a low-grade hamstring strain. 

 

As for Catalans, as stated above, we face arguably the most physical challenge in Super League. Their big men up front in Satae, Wallace, Bousquet and Navarrete will take some handling. And now with the guidance of Sam Tomkins back pulling the strings, and their drive to maintain a play-off place, we will have to be at our defensive best. 

 

Enjoy the game and welcome back home.

Mike

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