Catalans Dragons confirm head coach decision with short-term appointment made

Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Joel Tomkins will remain in charge as head coach until the end of the season.

The announcement comes just days after Tomkins stopped the rot and led the club to their first win in eight games against Huddersfield Giants. Tomkins has been in charge of Catalans on an interim basis since Steve McNamara was removed from his position after eight years back in May.

In that time he has overseen four losses, with the Dragons failing to score a single point in the first two of those games. Performances have been improving though and after an encouraging showing in defeat against Leigh Leopards, the Dragons finally got over the line last Saturday, thumping Huddersfield 32-0 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

And, just three days after officially confirming that McNamara had left the club, Catalans have now announced that Tomkins will be the man leading the club until the end of the season.

Joel Tomkins named Catalans Dragons head coach

“I’m delighted to be appointed as head coach of the Catalans Dragons and I want to thank the club’s owner and directors for the trust they’ve placed in me,” Tomkins told Catalans Dragons.

“I may be still early in my coaching journey, but I come into this role with passion, enthusiasm and total belief in what this team can achieve.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from some outstanding mentors and my experiences within the game, and I’m ready to bring a fresh perspective to the team and club.”

What the future holds for Tomkins, who had been working as an assistant coach under McNamara, and Catalans remains to be seen with the club being linked to former NRL boss Paul McGregor for next season.

However, we know have the clarity that Tomkins will be the man leading the club until the final hooter goes on the campaign.
Catalans are currently ninth in the Super League table, five points shy of the play-off pace.

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