Catalans Dragons became the second French side to enter the Super League back in 2006, and they haven’t been out since.
At the start, they were given special dispensation, they wouldn’t be relegated for the first three years. Which was just as well, as they finished bottom of the Super League in their first campaign.
The second season saw experienced coach Mick Potter take charge, and with that they signed a lot of Australian talent. That included the likes of Clint Greenshields, Jason Croker, Casey Maguire and Aaron Gorrell. There was progress in the league, as they finished tenth.
Just a year later, they claimed their first ever playoff appearance, as they finished in third place. They beat Warrington 40-6 in their first match, but were beaten by Wigan in the next round.
History and Expansion
In 2009, they made history, along with Welsh side Crusaders, who were playing in the first ever Super League match not to involve a Super League side. They also took the Super League to Barcelona when they took on Warrington.
In 2014, they came to within one game of getting to the Super League Grand Final, but they were beaten by eventual champions St Helens.
2016 seemed to be the year when Catalans would finally make their mark in the Super League. They were celebrating 10 years at the top level, and made several top-level signings, including the likes of Todd Carney and Dave Taylor. However, they would finish fifth, just short of the playoffs.
Transition
Steve McNamara transformed the fortunes of Catalans since taking over in 2018. Credit: Craig Milner/News Images
However, just 12 months later, they were battling for their Super League lives, and ended up dropping into the Million Pound Game. They faced Leigh Centurions at Leigh Sports Village. Despite falling behind early, the Dragons would come out on top in a nervy encounter.
Part way through 2018, they sacked Laurent Frayssinous, who had been wit the club since the beginning as both a player and a coach. He was replaced by Steve McNamara.
When McNamara took over, the club were in a relegation struggle. He completely changed the club’s fortunes. They made the Super 8s and won the Challenge Cup that year.
Since then, they have been close to the playoffs, but not quite getting over the line.
The Future
Remy Casty is one of the many French players Catalans have brought through. Credit: News Images
The Dragons have steadied themselves in the Super League, and are brining through some decent French talent. The likes of Tony Gigot, Morgan Escare and Remy Casty have made the future of the club, and rugby league in France bright.
Having won their first major trophy, the signs are there for them to kick on in the league now. A Grand Final or Championship may not be too far away.
Rating
6/10- If they can actually keep the pace they set at the start of the season, or keep consistent throughout, then they will be more successful. I feel like this has happened too often for them. They start well and cannot keep it up, or they give themselves too much to do.
