“We could have won the game 30-10” – Steve McNamara assesses Catalans’ win over Wakefield and gives injury update ahead of Leeds Rhinos clash

Steve McNamara’s Catalans Dragons kicked start their 2022 Super League campaign with a 24-22 home win over Wakefield Trinity but the Head Coach was left frustrated by his side’s “lack of execution”.

The Dragons led throughout the entire contest since their opening try through Matthieu Laguerre on seven minutes but McNamara remained disappointed as his side failed to cement a more emphatic victory.

“We dominated the game but ultimately we win by a fine margin of two points,” he said.

“It was a combination of a couple of things; our really poor execution such as our try scoring opportunities that were wide open that we just missed that would have put the score board further.

“We could have won the game 30-10. After Dean Whare broke through, he missed the inside pass and went for the outside and we knocked on.

“Overall, it was very poor execution and lack of discipline.”

So, last year’s league leaders are up and running after fighting off a resilient Wakefield side in what wasn’t an easy game and it doesn’t get any easier either. Next up is a trip to eight-time Super League champions Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night.

Looking ahead at that fixture and his squad situation, McNamara said “In terms of the injuries, we had a few bumps and bruises. Mickael Goudemand left the field and never came back on.

“It is too early to judge on that but we have a short turn around for when we play again next Thursday night.

“We will put in to practice what we want to get right for the game at Leeds. We chose tonight not to execute properly for whatever reason but I still thought we dominated the game.

“Next, we will play a really good team in Leeds and we just have to be ready.”