Steve McNamara was not present at Catalans Dragons training on Tuesday afternoon amid reports he has left the club. That’s according to Perpignan based outlet L’Independant, who claim Joel Tomkins and Ryan Sheridan took charge of the session at the Stade Gilbert Brutus as they prepare for this weekend’s clash with Wigan Warriors.
All Out Rugby League were first to the story on Tuesday with the reports that McNamara has been relieved of his duties after three successive losses, culminating last Thursday’s 40-0 defeat to St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium. That run leaves Catalans eighth in the Super League table after 11 games having won five and lost six, a record they share with Warrington Wolves.
However, performances have often fallen short of expectations with key men such as Luke Keary underperforming on a consistent basis. As such, after seven and a half seasons in charge, the belief is that McNamara has left the Dragons and those reports were given more value by McNamara’s absence at training.
Catalans Dragons owner comments
The French report claims the two assistant coaches led the way in sessions McNamara would usually be involved in, with the forwards training before the backs. And, it has also been claimed that owner Bernard Guasch, general manager Sebastien Munoz and sporting director Neil McIlroy held a meeting with the head coach on Tuesday morning.
Guasch has also addressed the squad, with the French newspaper carrying a quote from the club president about what he said.
“I told the players that we had to start from scratch,” he said. “We only renewed one of the 14 players whose contracts were expiring and we didn’t sign any players for 2026. This morning I asked the players to get their hands dirty now and we’ll see.”
The suggestion is then that Tomkins will take the reins on interim basis until a replacement is found and appointed. That could be the situation come Saturday’s clash with Wigan, Tomkins’ former club.
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves claim made as latest NRL deal confirmed
