In their first game at home for months, Catalans reminded the world of how formidable they are in the south of France. They claimed their third win from three to start the season. Meanwhile, Salford continue to struggle. They remain winless towards the wrong end of the table.
Three Major Talking Points
1. Catalans could be a dark horse this season
That victory over Salford makes it three wins from three in Super League for Steve McNamara’s side. They seem to be consistently improving, and although not perfect, this performance was their best of the season. It would not be outlandish to suggest that this side has the quality to earn a place at Old Trafford or Wembley this year. Catalans look to be more balanced than in previous seasons, and have star quality all over the pitch. Although they faced very little adversity, they completely picked Salford apart and were ruthless in attack. Warrington will be their next opponents, which will give them an opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition’s top sides.
2. A worrying performance from Salford
It’s now three games, three losses and just three tries scored for last year’s Challenge Cup runners up. There are almost no positives for Salford fans to take from their start to the season with 16 points scored and 106 conceded. They were repeatedly punished for their unforced errors and lack of discipline. After a promising opening 10 minutes, they offered nothing to threaten Catalans on the scoreboard after completely switching off mid-way through the first half. Next week they face Leigh, another side low on confidence, a game in which both sides may feel they can pick up some much-needed points.
3. Sam Tomkins responds to Hardaker’s performance on Thursday
After a poll was conducted ahead of Wigan’s clash with Leeds on who should be England’s fullback for the World Cup, it seems to have boiled down to a debate between Zak Hardaker and Sam Tomkins. Hardaker went on to put on a masterclass against Leeds after winning the poll, scoring an incredible solo try. However, Tomkins certainly reminded Shaun Wane and the rest of the rugby league community that he should not be dismissed from the conversation. Tomkins did everything that was asked of him in defence, as well as injecting himself into Catalans attacks at every opportunity. It will be interesting to see how the battle between these two players unfolds throughout the season and who ends up with the number one shirt.
Player Ratings:
Catalans Dragons
29 Sam Tomkins – 9
2 Davies – 7
4 Dean Whare – 7
3 Samisoni Langi – 8
5 Fouad Yaha – 8
6 James Maloney – 8
7 Josh Drinkwater – 7
8 Gil Dudson – 8
14 Alrix Da Costa – 6
10 Julian Bousquet – 8
11 Matt Whitley – 7
12 Mike McMeeken – 8
13 Benjamin Garcia – 8
Substitutes
9 Mike McIlorum – 7
16 Paul Seguier – 6
24 Jason Baitieri – 6
28 Sam Kasiano – 6
Salford Red Devils
1 Morgan Escare – 5
2 Ken Sio – 5
3 Kallum Watkins – 6
24 Matty Costello – 5
22 Rhys Williams – 5
6 Tui Lolohea – 6
7 Kevin Brown – 5
8 Lee Mossop – 7
29 Dec Patton – 5
25 Jack Ormondroyd – 5
20 Harvey Livett – 8
12 Pauli Pauli – 6
13 Elijah Taylor – 7
Substitutes
10 Seb Ikahihifo – 6
15 Darcy Lussick – 5
9 Andy Ackers – 7
26 Jack Wells – 6
