Catalans Dragons man opens up on travel chaos prior to Leigh Leopards victory

Catalans Dragons hooker Kruise Leeming has opened up on the hectic travel disruption that his team had to endure prior to the club’s victory over Leigh Leopards.

The Dragons would emerge as 22-16 winners at the Leigh Sports Village, but their preparations prior to the game were stranger than normal, with their flight to the UK needing to be diverted.

It would matter not though, as Joel Tomkins’ men did enough to secure a victory over their fellow play-off rivals, and it is two much-needed points, even at this stage of the competition.

Leeming spoke to Sky Sports after the game to give his thoughts, and was proud of his side, particularly after what they’d been through in the events leading up to kick-off.

“We were working hard for each other,” said the Wigan Warriors loanee.

“That’s what we spoke about throughout. Everything was against us coming over here. A big lump of travel.

“The lads, a couple of injuries before the game started, but what a spirit and effort that was from the boys. Them wins are really good.”

On that travel disruption, the former Leeds man revealed: We were on a flight, and then we thought we’d landed, and we went to get off the flight, and we’d landed in Bordeaux.

“So then we had a four, five-hour layoff there, but to all the sports scientists out there, it doesn’t matter about your prep, does it? You can do what you want and still get a win.

“But no, it’s great to spend some time with the boys and to get a win like that, they’re the ones that you remember. So I’m really happy for the group, and it was a team effort today.”

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Catalans Dragons half-back reveals Joel Tomkins’ coaching influence

One man who has stood out for Les Dracs this term is Lewis Dodd, who returns to Super League after an underwhelming stint in the NRL.

However, the former St Helens man has shown signs of being back to his best, something he puts down to coach Tomkins and his coaching methods.

“All he wants from us is to put our best foot forward and work for the boys next year,” Dodd said on his new boss. “I think we did that tonight.

“He’s what you want as a coach. He’s honest. It’s black and white with him. You’re not in the grey.

“As players, you want that from your coach. He tells you what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable.

“We can run out there on a Friday evening and know what our job is. If we don’t do it, we know we’re going to cop a spray and if we do it, we’re going to get praised.

“I think for a player, that’s the mindset you want to be in.”