TRIBALISM is a funny thing in sport.

Our online story of Peter Peacey and Beck Muir urging Warrington Wolves fans to get behind Catalans Dragons against Wigan Warriors in the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi final at The Halliwell Jones Stadium created a mixed reaction.

"Of course," said one fan, "It goes without saying."

And the thought of repaying the French people for their hospitality during trips to Perpignan over the last two seasons appeals to some.

While some fellow Wolves fans disagreed, viewing the match as an England versus France affair and feeling there should be a case for cheering on Wigan for patriotic reasons. But that's where the tribalism comes into sport.

Can you imagine an Everton fan wanting Liverpool to win in a clash with Birmingham City, or a Hull KR supporter cheering for Hull against Wakefield Trinity? I can't, the passion within runs too deep.

That's the way it is in sport.

So, with the rivalry there is between Warrington and Wigan - it's as fierce as it gets for most Wolves fans - then I think the majority will be hoping Les Catalans can produce a top display on July 29 and appear in the first Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium.

No other French club has achieved that and what an occasion it would be.

For Mick Potter's men to achieve that would be quite an upset, to be honest, with Dragons' form being so up and down, especially on English shores.

They will certainly need as much help as they can get from the terraces and they will be reliant on Wolves fans turning out and attempting to outsing the Pie eaters.

It would be an opportunity for the barmy army to turn the away end, the West Stand, primrose and blue, creating an atmosphere behind the posts that only St Helens supporters have managed so far in four years at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

For Wolves fans, it could be like the old times in the Fletcher Street End at Wilderspool Stadium, although the song choice may have to change to suit.

A bit of Allez-allez (pronounced allay) Catalans' to the tune of Olé-olé, Olé-olé' can't be too difficult to master and there should be enough making the journey from Perpignan to help get it started.

And with the occasional change of word She wore a yellow ribbon' could be sang with full French flair.

Or what about Wembley, Wembley, we're supporting Catalans and we're going to Wembley.' There's no doubt in my mind that the appearance of Catalans Dragons in the final at Wembley would do wonders for rugby league in France.

How long have we been waiting for serious international contenders to Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand?

There's been no substance at club level to make that work.

But Challenge Cup success now, with Catalans Dragons attracting regular gates' above 8,000 and receiving increased nationwide interest across the Channel, could be the best chance the game's bosses have of sustaining growth over there.

And that all means Wolves fans could have a bigger part to play on July 29 than first meets the eye.

Contact 0871 2261313 for tickets.

Allez-Allez Catalans!