TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE coach Sylvain Houles was all smiles despite his side’s 42-10 defeat at Catalans Dragons in Saturday’s pre-season match.
An early 10-0 Toulouse lead was overturned in emphatic style, but Houles insisted: “I’ve got many, many positives.
“We’ve worked extremely hard in pre-season and you could see the results.
“We were disappointed in our performance at Wakefield in the (2024) Grand Final and it was important we put it to rest.
“So despite the scoreline, which is an accurate reflection of the difference between the two divisions, I’m very happy with how we went.
“Catalans are a top side, they are the benchmark for us as a French club and our young players will have learned so much.
“As a coach you are hoping to get through without injuries, and thankfully apart from cuts and bruises, we emerged in one piece.
“But it’s more than that, we made some excellent decisions and worked together against a very strong and determined team full of star players.
“It gives me great confidence as we move forward with our younger playing group that we will be competitive and difficult to beat.”