Can Catalans Dragons succeed again in 2022?

With Catalans falling short in Round 1 of the 2022 Super League season, Prost International takes a look at how the Dragons can replicate their success from 2021.

The success that the team acquired in 2018 by winning the Challenge Cup over Warrington Wolves was one terrific feat, however, winning the league leaders shield and making the Grand Final last season for the first time ever has topped the French side’s previous conquests.

Now, a season on, and with some new signings through the door at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, Steve McNamara’s side are ready to attack 2022 and go one better than they did last campaign.

There are two main factors that could contribute to the Perpignan-based side doing well again in ’22. Foremost is in their attack, With players such as Sam Tomkins, Josh Drinkwater, and new acquisition, Mitchell Pearce. With such an array of attacking talent, it will be pretty difficult for Catalans not to finish in the top six.

After last year’s main man, James Maloney left the club, it was imperative the Catalan hierarchy reacted by replacing him and they have more than done that in Pearce – a player who has been great in Australia throughout his career, with over 300 appearances in the NRL for both Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights respectively.

The 32-year-old is a veteran of the game and a player the Dragons team can lean on in a bid to return to the heights the side did in 2021.

The second factor which can play a part in Catalans’ success is their head coach, McNamara.The Hull-born former player and coach has been the leader for the Dragons in over 100 games now, and with a Challenge Cup winners medal in his collection and a Grand Final runners-up one, the 50-year-old will be determined to help guide his side to success again in 2022.

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