Folau kept out of the firing line

Wakefield v Catalans

Today, 3pm

ISRAEL FOLAU won’t be risked by Catalans today, with the Dragons preferring to keep his controversial debut for next week’s home game against Castleford.

But Wakefield fans are still expected to vent their feelings over a man who claimed “hell awaits” gay people.

Wildcats coach Chris Chester said he and all the players have been warned by Super League bosses not to talk publicly about arguably the most loathed man in rugby league.

But the club are anticipating a reaction from the terraces.

Wakefield issued a statement, reading: “We would remind anyone who wishes to attend that any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with. We want everyone to enjoy the game.”

Threat

Captain Jacob Miller admits Folau (above) would have been a “massive threat” if he had been allowed to play.

His absence at least gives the Wildcats a better chance of bouncing back from their poor 30-12 defeat at Hull KR on the opening weekend.

Chester said: “Everybody was really disappointed with the performance and the errors.

“To make 16 in one game is a ridiculous amount. I’d probably say that 90 per cent of those errors were players not under any kind of pressure.”

Dragons hooker Michael Mcilorum makes his 300th career appearance today and Chester has warned his Wildcats they must tame the danger man.

He said: “Their physicality is their strength. When Mcilorum plays well, the team generally plays well. They are a big side.

“We don’t want to play a big team through the middle, so we will try to move the big blokes around. We might get an edge that way.“

Catalans have kept a low profile all week in the wake of the Folau furore, but Steve Mcnamara knows they need a big response after last week’s limp home defeat to Huddersfield.