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.
Former Canberra Raiders and NSW winger Monaghan was man of the match as the Wolves ended a run of four defeats in their last five First Utility Super League games since their shock Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by 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 Australian Test winger took his Warrington try tally to 144 in 144 appearances with his first hat-trick of the season.
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.
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.
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