Catalans Dragons have suffered a potentially major injury blow to Sam Tomkins in their Challenge Cup clash with Halifax Panthers.
Steve McNamara’s side were in Challenge Cup action against Championship side Halifax Panthers who are now coached by former St Helens man Kyle Eastmond and Fax put in a hell of a performance at The Shay.
With all Super League sides seeded and drawn away from home, Catalans took the trip over from Perpignan and found a resolute Halifax side in their way with the Panthers giving the Super League side a major scare.
Catalans made countless errors in possession in the first half and coupled with Halifax’s defensive efforts, the scores remained 0-0 when the halftime hooter sounded, however, there was a far more worrying issue in the first half.
Les Dracs’ talisman Sam Tomkins raised his hand in what appeared to be a signal to the bench in the 39th minute after skidding to the floor following a kick chase. He then walked off the field along with the physio and did not play the final minute of the first half.
The veteran full-back did not return to the field at the start of the second half and took no further part in the game prompting key concerns about his fitness, given his well-documented injury issues in recent years.
Sam Tomkins retired from the sport at the end of the 2023 season before returning midway through the 2024 campaign and later committing for 2025. However, in his first competitive game of 2025, the full-back limped off which will be a cause for concern for Steve McNamara.
In more positive news for the English head coach, his side did manage to get the result but it was hard-earned, A penalty put them 2-0 in front before Fouad Yaha crossed after just over an hour. An excellent Arthur Mourgue kick ensured the lead stretched to 8-0 – a lead that Halifax could not overcome.
A late Jack Hansen break threatened the Catalans line but it wasn’t to be for the Championship outfit as Catalans scored another late on to make it 14-0. Catalans will learn their Round Four opponents next weekend with draw details confirmed here.
FULL TIME Halifax Panthers 0 – 14 Catalans Dragons
Panthers bow out of the Betfred Challenge Cup as heroic defensive performance finally ends in defeat at The Shay
Fax kept scoreless by Super League Dragons who will know they’ve been in a game after that one. Catalans… pic.twitter.com/q00d3kC9Fd
— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) February 8, 2025
