Quick turnaround in Perpignan suits Wakefield Trinity coach Chris Chester

His side head to Perpignan tomorrow having picked up three wins from their opening six games to sit eighth, the position in which they finished last term.

Hosts Catalans Dragons are just below them, but Chester said: “It’s a big game. When you look at the table. If we win we can shoot up to fifth or sixth, but lose and you’re looking at 10th.

“It makes it exciting and this is what the salary cap has done to the competition; this is what we wanted – a more even competition and we have certainly got that this year.

“Everyone is capable of beating each other.

“The season’s only six games old, but that’s been shown.”

Trinity will board a flight early tomorrow morning as they head in and out of France inside 24 hours.

Chester, whose team beat Leigh Centurions last week, said: “We did it last year and it worked for us then so we’re not going to change a winning plan, although I must admit I do like a three-day trip out there, too.

“It has worked for other teams flying in and out and there’s not much disruption.

“You get up earlier, but as soon as you get over there you can have a sleep.

“We’ll be there about 11.30 so the lads can have a couple of hours’ kip, have some food and then start towards the game.

“It’s not too different to a normal game and the boys are happy to do it, getting out there and back in a day.”

Wakefield edged Catalans 30-28 on their last visit there in July.

Chester recalled: “It was a tough win and only in the last 10 or 15 minutes we got over them in what was some really hot weather.

“I hope it’s not as hot on Saturday and it doesn’t look as if it will, which will suit us.

“We’re looking forward to it, but know Catalans are always a different beast at home.

“I’ve kept the same 19-man squad as last week, but there might be a couple of changes to the starting line-up. The guys who don’t travel will be getting a game either at Oxford or Dewsbury, which will help get them ready for us over the busy Easter period.”