Wigan to start
with a French test

Wigan Warriors will be the first opponents for engage Super League newcomers Les Catalans after the fixtures for the forthcoming season were announced.

The Perpignan-based club will kick off their campaign against the Warriors at the Aime Giral Stadium on Saturday, February 11, in a match to be televised live by Sky Sports.

Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay said: "It?s no surprise to me that we are the first club invited to play in France to usher in the historic entry into Super League of Les Catalans Dragons.

"I am sure it will help them to fill their ground and, of course, it will be a very tough fixture for us.

"It will still be winter in the south of France so our fans will miss the warm weather, which many other clubs will enjoy throughout the year. It is still a great honour for us and one we are delighted to be part of."

Coach Ian Millward said: "We are pleased to be the first club to tackle the Dragons in France. It is a very difficult start for us as they will certainly be fired up for their opening fixture, but it is one we as a club are very much looking forward to."

Promoted Castleford Tigers will kick off Super League XI with a home match against Powergen Challenge Cup winners Hull at the Jungle on Friday, February 10, while champions Bradford Bulls will launch the defence of their title against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Belle Vue on the Sunday.

In other opening fixtures, Harlequins - formerly known as London Broncos - take on St Helens at the re-named Twickenham Stoop on the Saturday and Leeds Rhinos meet Huddersfield Giants at Headingley while Warrington Wolves are at home to Salford City Reds on the Sunday.

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for this news.