In-form Catalans Dragons took another step towards securing a top-eight finish in Super League on Saturday, winning 35-18 at Wakefield Trinity to pull level on points with their sixth-placed opponents.
The Dragons endured a woeful start to the season, but are now firmly on course to avoid the Qualifiers after a sixth win in seven league games.
This latest win lifts them three points clear of ninth-placed Leeds Rhinos, who sacked head coach Brian McDermott at the start of the week and face Castleford Tigers under new director of rugby Kevin Sinfield on Sunday.
Wakefield's season has followed a contrasting path to Catalans, with Trinity struggling for consistency after an excellent opening few weeks.
Justin Horo's fifth-minute try put Chris Chester's men in front, but the Dragons were soon in control as Greg Bird's reply was followed by three scores in quick succession from Benjamin Jullien, David Mead and Brayden Wiliame.
Tom Johnstone and Horo crossed either side of the interval, reducing the hosts' deficit to four points.
However, another Catalans surge wrapped up victory, Wiliame and Fouad Yaha each grabbing tries inside the final five minutes.
