All-time Best Super League XIII: Catalans Dragons

In this series, we put together the ultimate Super League starting 13’s for each club that has seen at least five seasons in the competition.

Today it’s the turn of Catalans, so here’s who we think would make their ultimate Super League XIII…

1. Clint Greenshields

Greenshields spent six years in the South of France after signing from NRL side St George in 2007. He would go on to command the Dragons’ no.1 jersey and even help guide them to the Challenge Cup final in his first season, while his affiliation with France was so great he even represented them at international level on five occasions. A dynamic fullback with an excellent passing game, Greenshields returned to Australia in 2012 after making 146 appearances and scoring 84 tries.

Notable mentions: Morgan Escaré, Tony Gigot, Sam Tomkins

2. Justin Murphy

Murphy was part of Catalans’ inaugural Super League squad in 2006 and was one of few ever-present players during that season, even earning a spot in the Dream Team. A natural try-scorer, the Australian scored 54 tries in 66 games, two of which came in the club’s first-ever Super League match, as they notched a shock 38-30 win over wigan in Perpignan.

Notable mentions: Damien Blanch, Jodie Broughton

3. Vincent Duport

French international Duport had two spells with the Dragons, spending a total of 11 seasons at the club. A versatile outside back, he was never a flashy player but more a determined and tough one, who was a handful in both attack and defence. His direct approach to the game saw him score 86 tries, currently Catalans’ most in Super League, in almost 200 games and earn 16 international caps.

Notable mentions: Steven Bell, John Wilson

4. Adam Mogg

Mogg is, perhaps, one of the most underrated players Super League has seen. A classy centre or stand-off, he was a revelation for the Dragons after signing from Canberra Raiders in 2007, with his technical ability and evasion leading to countless tries. Like Greenshields, Mogg played a huge part in Catalans’ run to the Challenge Cup final that year and was included in the Super League Dream Team at the end of the season. He left French shores in 2010 after agreeing to return to the Raiders on a short-term deal.

Notable mentions: Setaimata Sa

5. Dimitri Pelo

Born in France but raised in Australia, Pelo was a shrewd pickup when the Dragons signed him ahead of the 2007 season. He had spent time in the Cronulla and Gold Coast junior setups, as well as representing the Australian Schoolboys, but had yet to secure an NRL deal. Then head coach Mick Potter took a punt on him and reaped the rewards, with Pelo going on to score 38 tries in 87 appearances, impressing with his blistering pace and agility. He eventually got his NRL shot following four years in Perpignan, signing for Canberra and playing five times in 2012.

Notable mentions: Fouad Yaha

6. Thomas Bosc

Bosc was one of several star names when the club made its Super League debut in 2006. Before then, he’d come through the club’s academy ranks and would go on to become one of their top products, scoring over 1300 points in 241 games. The ultimate clubman, the latter years of his career saw him become more of a utility but no matter where he played, he would always perform to his best and put his body on the line for the club he spent his entire career with.

Notable mentions: Laurent Frayssinous, Todd Carney

7. Scott Dureau

This was a toss-up between Dureau and Stacey Jones, but the former just nicks it due to just how effective he was during his five seasons with the club. He’d been a bit part player for Newcastle Knights in the NRL for a few years before moving to France in 2011, but would soon become one of Super League’s top halfbacks, dictating Catalans’ attack and coming in clutch on several occasions. He was the first, and still only, Dragons player to be named in consecutive Dream Teams, making the side in 2011 and 2012.

Notable mentions: Stacey Jones, Michael Dobson

8. Rémi Casty

Catalans’ top appearance maker, Casty has been a constant in the Dragons’ side for years and is the only member of that inaugural 2006 squad still playing for the club. A two-time Dream Team inclusion, the 35-year-old is one of Super League’s most consistent performers and is still leading from the front with his barnstorming runs and aggressive defence. His efforts for the Dragons even saw him earn an NRL contract with Sydney Roosters in 2014. With currently over 300 games to his name, there’s no doubt Casty will go down as a true club legend.

Notable mentions: Olivier Elima, David Ferriol, Julian Bousquet

9. Ian Henderson

Veteran Scotland international Henderson joined Catalans in 2011 after a spell in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors. He went on to make over 120 appearances for the club across five years, demonstrating the same tenacious defence and speed out of dummy half that had made him such a threat during his previous Super League stint with Bradford. Then 28, Henderson brought some much-needed experience to the Dragons’ side and helped inspire them to plenty of big victories, ending his time at the club with a respectable win percentage of 50.37%.

Notable mentions: Eloi Pelissier, Casey McGuire, Michael McIlorum

10. Jérôme Guisset

Guisset was recruited by the Dragons for their inaugural Super League campaign in 2006. He was already an established Super League player, having had spells with Warrington and Wigan, and helped them settle and develop players capable of competing at the highest level. He was renowned for his work ethic and dominance in tackles, and led a young French pack superbly in his five seasons with the club.

Notable mentions: Jamal Fakir, Alex Chan

11. Steve Menzies

‘Beaver’ spent the final three seasons of his illustrious career with the Dragons. A household name in Australia, he’d previously made over 300 appearances in the NRL but was signed from Bradford, where he’d played for two years. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Menzies was still as influential as ever, assisting countless tries with his athleticism and natural technical ability. His consistent performances were rewarded by a place in the 2011 Super League Dream Team.

Notable mentions: Zeb Taia, Louis Anderson

12. Sébastien Raguin

Raguin was signed from Toulouse in 2007, having reached the Challenge Cup semi-finals with Olympique two years earlier. A back rower or centre, his awkward running style and reluctance to go to ground in the tackle made him a handful for defenders and was partly the reason he went on to be such a figure at the club. He made a total of 137 appearances, scoring 30 tries.

Notable mentions: Elliott Whitehead, Jason Croker

13. Grégory Mounis

Mounis is another member of the inaugural Super League squad, having first played for the club in 2004. During that first season, he was Mick Potter’s first choice loose forward aged just 21 and would continue as a linchpin in the pack for the next 11 years. Renowned for his solid defence in the middle of the field, Mounis made 273 appearances in total, scoring 30 tries and kicking 20 goals.

Notable mentions: Greg Bird, Dallas Johnson