Joel Monaghan a champion says Warrington boss Tony Smith

Warrington boss Tony Smith hailed departing skipper Joel Monaghan after his hat-trick helped the Wolves romp to a 48-6 victory on an emotional last home appearance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Monaghan was man of the match as the Wolves ended a dismal run since their shock Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Hull KR.

It was an emotional farewell for Monaghan, who was playing his last home match for the Wolves alongside Roy Asotasi and Catalans-bound Richie Myler.

The 33-year-old former Australia Test winger took his Warrington try tally to 144 in 144 appearances since signing from Canberra Raiders with his first hat-trick of the season and he also converted youngster Jack Johnson's second touchdown 11 minutes from time.

Monaghan's second try was a 90-metre spectacular effort after intercepting a Scott Dureau pass.

Smith, whose side led 26-0 at half-time, said: "Joel has been a champion for us and will go down in our history books for what he has achieved.

"He has been first class and is a top bloke. You could not have written a better script for the three boys who took the field for their last home match. Joel, Roy and Richie all played some of their best rugby of the year today.

"They received the accolades they deserved from the supporters at the end of the match.

"Our defence was terrific. Catalans are a dangerous team and I told the players before the kick-off 'if you sit back and admire what they can do they will hurt you'. I felt for them with the momentum we had going against them
today.

"Young Jack Johnson showed his speed and was terrific at the back and Chris Hill was also superb.

"We've had our ups and downs this season and have not been consistent enough. That is why we are making some changes."

There was little but pride and the consolation of sixth place at stake with both sides out of contention for the play-offs.

Myler also crossed as Warrington ran in nine tries, with Ryan Atkins bagging a brace and the other a long-range effort from Ben Currie - and Asotasi joined in the carnival atmosphere, booting the final conversion to Myler's touchdown.

Depleted Catalans, without injured playmaker Todd Carney, could only manage a late Stanislas Robin try and coach Laurent Frayssinous said: "There was a lack of quality in our side without 10 players but we did not come here with the right attitude.

"It was embarrassing and we had enough ball in our hand to score more than six points.

"Warrington played pretty well and wanted to send some players out in a high and they did. Full credit to them.

"I'm pleased for Elliott Whitehead, who always tries his best for us."