By Rob Lancaster Last updated: 4th February 2009
Ryles: Excellent addition
Throughout the party there is a blend of homegrown talent with overseas signings and hopes will be high that the Dragons can roar again under the leadership of Walters
Kevin Walters takes the reins at the Dragons knowing he has big shoes to fill following Mick Potter's successful spell in charge.
Having become the first non-English team to make it through to the Challenge Cup final in 2007, Les Catalans made further strides last season.
For the first time the French side made it through to the Super League play-offs, eventually going out in a high-scoring elimination semi-final to Wigan after hammering Warrington on home soil.
Potter's skills as a coach caught the eye of St Helens, who snapped him up to replace the departing Daniel Anderson at Knowsley Road.
Now former Australia international Walters will look to carry on his compatriot's good work at Stade Gilbert Brutus, though a repeat of their third-placed finish is a tall order.
Once again the Dragons have looked Down Under for off-season recruits, the lure of the Perpignan lifestyle seeing three new faces come in from NRL clubs.
The experienced Steven Bell offers a try-scoring threat from the centres while Jason Ryles will attempt to replace the popular Alex Chan in the front row.
Half-back Shane Perry arrives from the Brisbane Broncos and could well be joined by a former colleague in 2010 - the Dragons are thought to be interested in Darren Lockyer's services if the Kangaroos captain does decide to make a move.
Winger Frederic Vaccari is the one new French face added to a squad that boasts power up front and pace in the backs.
Thomas Bosc emerged as one of the stars of Super League in 2008, forming an impressive half-back partnership with stand-in stand-off Adam Mogg.
With Clint Greensheilds a danger from full-back and Casey McGuire a constant menace around the play-the-ball area, Les Catalans played some of the most attractive rugby seen in the competition.
Throughout the party there is a blend of homegrown talent with overseas signings and hopes will be high that the Dragons can roar again under the leadership of Walters.
The best teams always have the best prop. With 15 caps for Australia, Ryles has the T-shirt to show that he's been there and done it.
Tough, aggressive and with a great ability to offload the ball. If Thomas Bosc or Clint Greenshields decides to support this guy and accept the offloads they'll have a great season.

Boots 'N' All - The Tries
Boots 'N' All The Tries - Episode 1
St Helens v Hull - Fitzgibbon
St Helens v Hull - Long
Super League Extra Time - 5th February
Brett Kearney
Bulls ready to pick up the mantle
Maguire aiming higher
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Catalans Dragons | |
| Sunday 14th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 14:00 | Harlequins RL vs Catalans Dragons |
| Saturday 20th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs St Helens |
| Friday 26th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 20:00 | Wigan vs Catalans Dragons |
| Friday 5th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 20:00 | Salford vs Catalans Dragons |
| Saturday 13th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Castleford |
| Friday 19th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 20:00 | Crusaders vs Catalans Dragons |
| Saturday 27th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Hull K R |
| Friday 2nd April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 19:00 | Huddersfield vs Catalans Dragons |
| Monday 5th April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Leeds |
| Saturday 10th April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Bradford |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Catalans Dragons | |
| Sunday 7th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Wakefield 28 - 20 Catalans Dragons | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Castleford Tigers | 1 | 2 |
| 8 | Huddersfield Giants | 1 | 2 |
| 9 | Catalans Dragons | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | Bradford Bulls | 1 | 0 |
| 11 | Salford City Reds | 1 | 0 |
Skysports.com looks at who starred and who slumped over the last seven days of sporting action.
Make a date every Monday night for all your Super League action with Boots 'n' All The Tries.
New recruit Sean Long told Boots 'n' All he is desperate to help end the silverware drought at Hull FC.
Huddersfield's Andy Raleigh can play against Hull on Friday despite being found guilty of a late tackle.
The five Catalans Dragons players who were arrested following an alleged fracas in Leeds city centre have been released on police bail.
Catalans Dragons are "co-operating" with police after five players were arrested following an alleged brawl in Leeds.
Clubs have voted to keep Super League a 14-team competition through until the conclusion of the 2014 season.
A trio of Super League players will face the RFL's disciplinary committee on Tuesday after being cited for foul play.
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