Catalans Dragons preview

New boss looking to maintain the progression achieved under Potter

By Rob Lancaster   Last updated: 4th February 2009  

Catalans Dragons preview

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

Quotes of the week

In: Steven Bell (Manly), Jason Ryles (St George Illawarra), Shane Perry (Brisbane), Mathias Pala (Limoux), Michael Tribillac (Lezignan), Romain Mencarini (Toulouges), William Barthaw (Pujois)
Out: John Wilson (returning to Australia), Alex Chan (retiring), Aaron Gorrell (Brisbane), Mathieu Griffi, Younes Khattabi (both Toulouse), Justin Murphy (UTC)
Odds to win Grand Final: 14-1
Odds for Wooden Spoon: 33-1
First Sky live fixture: v Warrington (away) February 21

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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.

Phil Clarke's one to watch - Jason Ryles

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.

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