Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara gives fitness update amid returning pair

Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara is relishing the prospect of making the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The Dragons host Salford Red Devils on Friday night and McNamara admitted that his side would love another trip to Wembley.

Since Catalans won the Cup in 2018, they’ve reached the quarter-finals every year since, apart from 2023, but failed to take the next step into the semi-finals.

It’s a record that McNamara hopes to change as they face a Salford side still dealing with the aftermath of their club’s financial issues.

Speaking to the press ahead of the game, he said: “With our recent record, it’s the one trophy we’ve won. It was a huge part of this club’s history.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve progressed to the semi-final stage so we’re not concentrating on trying to go anywhere past that.

“We just know we’ve got a game that’s going to be tough, it’s two teams that see an opportunity to progress to a semi-final of the Challenge Cup. We know we need to make the most of that opportunity.”

It’s just a six-day turnaround for the Dragons following their round six 14-13 loss to St Helens last Saturday.

The tight-fought game has left his side fatigued but he said it was all about how they coped with that.

He added: “We had a lot of sore players with a lot of soreness in their bodies but today, they’ve come pretty good and fresh.

“I wouldn’t say they’re completely fresh but they’ve got energy about themselves.

“Managing this week is important for us to make sure we’re ready for Friday night but I don’t think we’ve got any new injury doubts.”

The Catalans Dragons boss also shared some positive news for Dragons fans as he could have two big players available for their quarter-final tie.

He finished: “Potentially, we have some players coming back available as well this week. Clearly, Ben Garcia, with illness, should be available.

“Tariq Sims is pushing there to be available as well so we may have some choices to make.”