Catalans: Super 8s preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 16:52, UK
We look at the season so far for Catalans Dragons, and look ahead to what to expect from the club in the Super 8s.
Story so far:
The Dragons will be another side disappointed with their 2015 efforts; indeed this season has been their weakest showing in Super League since 2010.
They were expected to build on that famous play-off victory at Headingley last season, and with new signings including Todd Carney, the returning Remi Casty, and Aussie test centre Willie Tonga, there were a few tipping Catalans as a potential Old Trafford surprise. But they’ve won just nine times all season, only just sneaking into the 8s ahead of Widnes by a point.
What’s gone right:
Predictably, their home form. Just two defeats all season prove just how difficult it is to get the winning formula in the south of France. Leeds were very impressive there, winning 38-22 back in March, while Huddersfield snuck a 14-12 win in July.
But no one else has breached the defences, with Wigan humiliated 58-16 and St Helens beaten too. It’s never an easy game and year after year, the Catalans prove that winning across the Channel is a very difficult prospect.
What’s gone wrong:
Keeping Todd Carney fit. When you have a star player like that, it’s vital he’s in the best condition at all times. But it’s not quite clicked for Carney and Catalans; indeed the mercurial Aussie half-back has played just eight out of 23 games this season.
That’s certainly impacted on his performances, he’s scored just two tries, made only eight assists and putting in just 13 attacking kicks. You’d expect his figures to be much higher. Carney did return for the final game of the regular season against Leeds after six games out injured, so there’s still hope he could come to life this season.
Super 8 chances:
You still wouldn’t fancy a trip to the South of France, even with the Catalans finishing in 8th position. Three home games against St Helens, Castleford and Leeds could easily equal three home victories, as the Dragons can beat anyone on their day at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
Whether they can follow up that home form with a few away wins is another matter. The Dragons lost all four away matches to the sides they will travel to in the Super 8s during the regular season. And given the serious catching up they need to do if they’re to make the play-offs, not even a few scalps at home will be enough. Up against it.
One to watch:
Scott Dureau’s time in Super League is coming to an end. He’s announced he’ll return to the NRL and join the Sydney Roosters in 2016 and he’ll be a big loss to the Dragons. Dureau owes the club one final flourish though.
They stuck by the half-back during his injury problems, so they’ll hope he delivers them a leaving present by propelling them up the table. He’s certainly capable, having provided the third-most try assists and third-most attacking kicks in the league.
With Carney returning, the half-back pairing is a dangerous looking combination. And if the Dragons are ready to breathe fire, they need Dureau to be the one pumping the bellows.
