Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara bemoans ‘small-minded people’ as he defends Super League spot

Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara was a guest pundit on Sky Sports last night for Toulouse Olympique’s clash against the Warrington Wolves.

It’s safe to say that McNamara came across incredibly well-spoken with a number of superb points about the future of rugby league.

In recent weeks and months – years, even – the Dragons and French rugby league in general has been looked down upon by some members of the ‘traditional M62 corridor’ type that want the sport to be insular and close-minded.

For McNamara, however, who has coached all around the world, he wants change to happen and believes that clubs themselves will be at the crux of that change.

“I think it’s about rugby league in general, we’ve been doing a lot of things similar for a number of years,” McNamara said.

“Toulouse have come over and the argument is that they bring no fans, but Warrington have filled that away end with whatever activity they’ve put on and they’ve enjoyed it.

“Further down the line, we will have to throw the baton on to other people who will go forward with it.”

The former England national coach also wants IMG to come in and look at the expansion question with an open mind about the future possibility of what France can achieve in Super League.

“I’m hoping that IMG will look at it with a clean pair of eyes and will make big decisions what aren’t impacted by small minded people.

“Of course I’ve got a self-interest in France but I also see what happens in all parts of France with potential government funding – the potential growth of expansion is huge.

“There needs to be a strategic plan put together because there’s a huge need for a game in France. fcnamara

“For the crowds we generate, the Catalans Dragons have done as much or more than a lot of other clubs in the competition and there’s the potential to go even further.”