2018 Challenge Cup winners Catalans Dragons will be dreaming of more silverware after an impressive 2019 campaign. Despite their seventh-placed finish, the French club thrilled fans time after time and will be eager to continue in similar vain this season.
KEY SIGNING
James Maloney. Signed from Penrith Panthers, Maloney plays as a stand-off or scrum-half and has slotted into the side almost seamlessly in pre-season. The thirty-three year-old previously played for the Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League. Scoring 58 tries in 203 careers appearances, the Australian’s contribution to attack will be equally important as his rugged determination to shut opponents out.
ARRIVALS: Tom Davies (Wigan Warriors), Jordan Dezaria (Toulouse Olympique), Josh Drinkwater (Hull Kingston Rovers), Gavin Marguerite (Toulouse Olympique), Joel Tomkins (Hull Kingston Rovers).
KEY DEPARTURE
Tony Gigot was a stalwart of the Dragons side that has enjoyed so much progression and success in recent years. Having spearheaded the terrific Challenge Cup triumph of 2018, many expected clubs to circle for the Frenchman, yet he stayed and proved his worth as the club’s highest points-scorer last season.
DEPARTURES: Kenny Edwards, Jodie Broughton, Greg Bird.
SQUAD NUMBERS
1. David Mead, 2. Lewis Tierney, 3. Samisoni Langi, 4. Brayden Wiliame, 5. Fouad Yaha, 6. James Maloney, 7. Josh Drinkwater, 8. Remi Casty, 9. Micky McIlorum, 10. Sam Moa, 11. Matt Whitley, 12. Joel Tomkins, 13. Benjamin Garcia, 14. Julian Bousquet, 15. Mickael Simon, 16. Tom Davies, 17. Benjamin Jullien, 18. Alrix Da Costa, 19. Mickael Goudemand, 20. Lucas Albert, 21. Paul Seguier, 22. Arthur Romano, 23. Antoni Maria, 24. Jason Batieri, 25. Arthur Mourgue, 28. Sam Kasiano, 29. Sam Tomkins.
WHAT TO EXPECT
2019 was turbulent for the French club to say the least as they found consistency hard to come by and after a busy post-season period, only time will tell us to whether or not they can reach the standards that saw them crowned at Wembley two seasons ago. St. Helens and Wigan are expected to lead the way once again, but if Catalans get off to a good start, fans will start dreaming once more.
PREDICTIONS
Leading Tryscorer: Sam Tomkins
Leading Pointscorer: James Maloney
Player of 2020: Sam Tomkins
