Castleford Tigers will leave Perpignan empty-handed, after a spirited side came up short in a 34-28 defeat to Catalans Dragons.
Ryan Carr’s men were 34-12 down with 20 minutes to go, and looked to form some sort of comeback with a try from Joe Stimson and two from Krystian Mapapalangi.
However, they couldn’t overcome the deficit, and will see this game as a missed opportunity for a third win in four games.
Catalans were ultimately the better side, but made hard work of their lead, and often gave away possession to give Castleford chances to score.
Solomona Faataape and Tommy Makinson both scored twice for the Dragons, whilst Franck Maria and Toby Sexton added the Dragons’ other tries.
Jack Brown added a score on debut, whilst Jason Qareqare continued his great try-scoring form on the left wing.
Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers talking points
Carty goes two from three:
Former Hull FC boss John Cartwright has picked up his second win after three games in charge of the Perpignan outfit.
After victory over York Knights, they were humbled in Paris by Wigan Warriors, but have returned to form with a solid showing at home against the Tigers.
Surviving a late comeback, Cartwright’s side earned a much-needed two points, in what is a vital win if they want to finish in the play-offs this season.
The win puts them four points behind St Helens in 6th, but with Leigh Leopards still to play tomorrow, they could go two points behind with a win over Bradford tomorrow.
Tigers’ mentality problem continues:
Castleford showed that they can compete with most sides, but when things start to go against them, that is when they fall apart.
On too many occasions tonight, tries were conceded after an error or penalty went against them, which is something that Ryan Carr picked up on in last week’s defeat to Leigh.
It wasn’t just tries. When they handed over possession close to the Catalans line, they were unable to have that defensive intensity to keep the Dragons penned back, and gave away easy metres to relieve any potential pressure.
Not only were Catalans clinical, but even when they didn’t score points they were able to win the defensive battle and keep Castleford contained.
Overseas centres show flair:
Whilst Wigan’s Jake Wardle showed last night why he is arguably the best English centre in Super League, the debate as to who is the best overseas centre is much more of a debate.
Castleford’s Mapapalangi and Catalans’ Faataape were both at their brilliant best, with both players being strike weapons on their respective left edges.
Faataape was able to cross for two tries, with both coming from kicks, whilst Mapalangi also added a double as he looked to help his side produce an unlikely comeback.
Two signings that were relatively unknown to Super League fans ahead of this season, the pair have made their presence felt in the first half of 2026, and are certainly up there for the signing of the season award.
Former St Helens pair shine:
In a week that St Helens struggled, it must have been painful for their fans to see some of their ex-players lighting up Super League this weekend.
Winger Makinson and half-back Dodd combined for both of the former’s first-half tries, with the pair being in sync to allow Makinson to dot down for a double.
The 2018 Golden Boot winner then produced an incredible assist, kicking the ball back inside to allow Toby Sexton to score.
Debut try scorer:
Making his first appearance in the Amber and Black, Jack Brown had quite a memorable debut, scoring in front of his new fans at a crucial time in the game.
Decreasing the margin from 14 to eight points, it was a score that brought Castleford right back into the game, and stopped the momentum of Catalans right in its tracks.
Unfortunately for his new side, they couldn’t make that momentum switch count, with Faataape dotting down minutes before half-time to give Catalans a 22-12 lead at the break.
