Catalans Dragons hosted Salford Red Devils in the final game of Rivals Round in Super League and here’s our verdict on the game.
The result was expected as Catalans ran out as 38-10 victors, however, Salford proved incredibly resilient and also managed to register a first Super League try since Round Five.
Tommy Makinson scored his first try for Catalans with the ex-St Helens man bagging a brace but it was the Dragons forwards who won the day once again as Steve McNamara’s side powered their way to victory over a spirited Salford.
Two weeks after losing 20-12 in the Challenge Cup, the Red Devils returned to Perpignan seeking a second Super League win but the odds were stacked against Salford who were much-changed from that contest. The likes of Kallum Watkins, Chris Atkin, Chris Hankinson, Chris Hill and Deon Cross were just a few who featured in that game not named today.
Ryan Brierley did return with the full-back captaining the much-changed side whereas Catalans Dragons backed their young star Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet once again in the absence of Sam Tomkins. After the final hooter blew in the Stade Gilbert Brutus, here’s our verdict on the game.
Salford Red Devils brave in defeat as Makinson stars
Rounding off Rivals Round with a Dragons success 🐉#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/X594h7Sp91
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 19, 2025
Fouad Yaha stepped in at late notice as Reimis Smith dropped out but that was among the only worries Catalans had all game. They took the red through Tommy Makinson after just five minutes and tries from forwards Tariq Sims and Julian Bousquet ensured it was 16-0 after just 16 minutes.
Matty Foster was lost due to a HIA on the restart after Bousquet’s score as matters got worse for Salford, however, they proved resolute for the remainder of the first half as they managed to gain a foothold in terms of territory and possession.
Their only real chance came from a Joe Mellor chip and chase, which would have been some way for the playmaker to cap his 300th career appearance, as the Red Devils went into the sheds 16-0 down.
Catalans came out firing for the second-half though as they scored almost immediately through Chris Satae before Romain Navarrete saw one held up by Ryan Brierley. Catalans would get their fifth through Tommy Makinson though whilst a sixth came minutes later through Matthieu Laguerre.
Salford did manage to get on the scoresheet though with the Red Devils scoring in Super League for the first time since March 20th. A rampaging Tiaki Chan run started it with loanee Jonny Vaughan finishing it to make it 32-4 with just over ten minutes to play.
Chan would then score himself with the French international having a stellar second stint against his former club with the Red Devils making it 32-10 but it was Tommy Makinson who had the last word, scoring his third in the final minute to make it 38-10.
Good day for
Tommy Makinson registered his first try in Catalans Dragons colours and the former St Helens man went out to score a hattrick, passing the 1,500 point mark in his career on the way.
Bad day for
Steve McNamara’s side won the game but when 16-0 up after just 16 minutes, he’ll wonder why his side weren’t able to continue being ruthless with their attack blunted for long periods of the game. Their power down the middle is a blessing and a curse with Les Dracs often opting for route one, rather than using their skillful playmakers.
Star man
Tiaki Chan’s second stint for Salford was worthy enough to earn him this nod with the Wigan Warriors loanee finding himself everywhere in the latter stages of the match.
Teams
Catalans Dragons XIII: Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Tommy Makinson, Matthieu Laguerre, Reimis Smith, Leo Darrelatour, Luke Keary, Theo Fages, Tevita Pangai Jr, Benjamin Garcia, Julian Bousquet, Tariq Sims, Bayley Sironen, Oliver Partington
Interchanges: Alrix Da Costa, Chris Satae, Romain Navarrete, Paul Seguier
Salford Red Devils XIII: Ryan Brierley, Nathan Connell, Esan Marsters, Jonny Vaughan, Jake Thewlis, Jayden Nikorima, Kai Morgan, Jack Ormondroyd, Joe Mellor, Tiaki Chan, Ben Hellewell, Matty Foster, Harvey Wilson
Interchanges: Joe Shorrocks, Justin Sangare, Harvey Makin, George Hill
Completing Rivals Round in France 👇
Watch on SkySports+ and SuperLeague+ at 6PM 📺#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/OcTjjZAyRU
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 19, 2025
