As the Super League season draws closer, we look at how Catalans Dragons will go in 2021.
After a fourth-placed finish last year, Catalans will be aiming to achieve great things in 2021 as they look up the table instead of down.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Signings
Embed from Getty ImagesGil Dudson (Salford Red Devils), Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers)
Departures
David Mead (Brisbane Broncos), Lewis Tierney (Leigh Centurions), Antoni Maria, Sam Moa (both Lezignan), Lucas Albert (Carcassone), Remi Casty, Mika Simon (both released).
First Five
Hull Kingston Rovers (neutral), Huddersfield Giants (neutral), Salford Red Devils (home), Warrington Wolves (home), Wakefield Trinity (away).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Embed from Getty ImagesSince lifting the Challenge Cup back in 2018 (beating Warrington Wolves 20–14 at Wembley) to become the first non-British team to win the trophy in its 117-year history, the French club have failed to kick on and continue building what was a truly exciting squad. That being said, the Dragons are always capable of pulling off shock results.
Eight wins from thirteen matches saw Catalan leapfrog Leeds Rhinos into fourth place in the Super League table thanks to the points per game format implemented by the RFL as a result of coronavirus bringing the 2020 season to a premature end.
Sam Tomkins has been in the ‘best player in Super League’ conversation for as long as I can remember. His brilliant athleticism, finishing and eye for a killer pass makes him a nightmare for defenders, but his defensive solidity makes him an asset to Catalans’ backline, too. Not many players have hit the numbers he has in a Dragons shirt, in fact Tom Davies is the only person who springs to mind. The winger crossed the whitewash 13 times in just 11 games in 2020 – an impressive feat – but Tomkins’ total of 211 points since joining the French outfit in 2019 means he’s still the man to beat. These two England internationals are going to be a real handful yet again this season.
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Embed from Getty ImagesTop Tryscorer – Tom Davies
Top Pointscorer – Sam Tomkins
Club Player of the Year – Sam Tomkins
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