Catalans Dragons chief on Steve McNamara’s dismissal, Joel Tomkins and contracts

Steve McNamara’s dismissal was a decision that ‘had to be made’, according to Catalans Dragons president Bernard Guasch. McNamara was relieved of his duties last month after a run of three straight defeats with the 40-0 loss to St Helens being the straw that broke the camel’s back.

That brought an end to McNamara’s near eight-year reign in the south of France, in which he led them to two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup. Joel Tomkins is the man who has taken over and so far the Dragons are yet to score a point under the former Wigan Warriors man.

The Dragons lost 48-0 to Wigan in the days after McNamara’s sacking before Hull FC beat them 34-0 last time out. Both of those defeats came in Perpignan and they’ll travel to league leaders and Challenge Cup winners Hull KR this weekend hoping to put on an improved performance.

Speaking to French outlet L’Independant this week, Guasch has spoken about the decision to part ways with McNamara and push ahead with Tomkins at the helm.

Catalans Dragons president speaks out

“This decision had to be made, perhaps his message was no longer getting through,” Guasch conceded. “He had an exceptional run at the helm of the club, reaching three finals, but it was time to start with a clean slate.”

On Tomkins, he added: “It can’t be translated in 10 days, or 15. But I’m very surprised by his personality and what he’s transmitting. The season isn’t over. We can create surprises and that would be a great reward.

“We will speak with him at the end of September, but I believe in him and I want to give him his chance to express himself. We’ll decide after that.”

The head coach situation won’t be the only decision being made over the coming months, with Catalans having an army of players off contract this year. That includes the likes of Tevita Pangai Jr, Chris Satae, Tariq Sims, Theo Fages and Reimis Smith.

Calls need to be made on all of their futures and that situation will be tackled sooner rather than later, it seems.

“We’ll have a clearer picture after the three matches in June,” the president added.