Super League boss reveals when star players and major signings return for pre-season

Catalans Dragons have one of the most star studded squads in Super League, but despite this Steve McNamara started pre-season with only four players.

This was confirmed by the former England boss speaking into L’Independant:

“We started at four, then seven. But I prefer to look on the bright side. It’s like a teacher who has only seven students in front of him, including three new ones (Ma’u, Navarrete, Johnstone). It allowed us to have a special attention for everyone. The atmosphere and the connections between these seven players were very good. The internationals returned two weeks ago and the atmosphere is always great between them, as is the discipline and listening.

“They all arrived in very good physical condition after the World Cup. There were disposals with high objectives and they all fell within the criteria.”

He confirmed that the Dragons are now on Christmas break too:

“Yes we are on Christmas break from Thursday December 22 and we will resume on Monday, January 2.”

He then revealed that the first week in January will see England stars such as Wigan Warriors duo Michael McIlroum and England skipper Sam Tomkins as well as ex-Castleford Tigers man Mike McMeeken return alongside new signing Siosuaia Taukeiaho:

“The three England internationals (Tomkins, McMeeken, McIlorum), Taukeiaho (Tonga) and May (Samoa) will be there. Adam Keighran arrived on Wednesday and begins training with the team on Friday.”