7. Catalans Dragons
The hardest team in Super League to predict.
They can beat anyone and lose to anyone. Scintillating to watch when at their best, but little more than diabolical when they aren’t up for the fight.
Which Catalans team will turn up next season?
What was concerning about last season for the Dragons is the Stade Gilbert Brutus wasn’t quite the fortress it normally is, and coach Steve McNamara will be under serious pressure if their performances don’t pick up.
Tony Gigot, Brayden Williame and Kenny Edwards are all big losses, but Sam Tomkins is still an absolute match winner on his day, and I do feel Josh Drinkwater, despite coming off the back of a disappointing stint at Hull KR, is an upgrade on an ageing Matty Smith.
If the immensely talented and experienced James Maloney is here to apply himself and avoids the holiday culture in the South of France, he can definitely guide Catalans to some results with his terrific game management, though I’m not convinced he complements Drinkwater too well as they have such similar styles of play. They both play to a structure, and take control of the long-range kicking game, but don’t offer too much in the way of support play and taking the line on.
Their pack meanwhile needs to start consistently turning in 80-minute performances, especially on the road, if Catalans are to seriously challenge for the top five and beyond.
Key Player – Sam Tomkins. He still has so much to offer. He may have lost his pace but remains one of the best readers of the game in attack and defence. He is of the most creative fullbacks in the competition due to his skill and guile and is a big game player.
