Steve McNamara believes Catalans Dragons’ 48-4 defeat to Wigan Warriors could be good for French rugby league

Plenty of sides have gone to the DW Stadium in 2022 and suffered embarrassing losses.

From Leeds in the first game at the stadium this year as they were blown away in the second half all the way to the likes of Hull FC and Toulouse who have conceded plenty of points at Wigan’s expense this season.

So, Catalans’ young and inexperienced side can hold their heads high that they only lost 48-4 to Wigan last night despite the fact the Warriors had their strongest available side on the field.

Remarkably they only trailed 6-0 after 30 minutes before the Warriors ran in a quick three tries.

Most of the time a defeat like this would potentially be seen as damaging to the value of French rugby league, but last night was the opposite as the next crop of French stars got to experience playing against one of the top teams around at the minute in the shape of the Warriors.

These were the thoughts of Steve McNamara who has of course been very vocal recently about the importance of nurturing French rugby league after he believed Huddersfield told IMG that French clubs brought very little to Super League and of course Toulouse’s disappointing relegation.

He believed that the game again showed the importance of nurturing French rugby league to continue developing the game outside of England: “I think it’s on the stage. That game was live in England, France, Australia and New Zealand. It seems strange talking about a 48-4 loss and that we’re proud of every body in that but the circumstances and I think it shows to this group of players what is required to do it at the top.

“It shows all the young players watching back in France that this is what can be done if you apply yourself. It’s a big thing for this group of players. I’m glad they’ve held their heads high.”

Interesting, Wigan boss Matt Peet echoed these thoughts saying: “Catalans are a tough team and although there were some new players in there, they did their club proud. I thought it was good for French rugby league. It was very spirited.”