Catalans Dragons winger Jodie Broughton believes that his side has a genuine chance of winning Super League this season.
Broughton is one of several new signings at the Dragons who have thrived in the first few months of the season – with the former Huddersfield winger scoring four tries during their win at St Helens on Thursday, but also paying tribute to the defensive skills of Australian forward Glenn Stewart.
“If we keep putting in performances like the one against St Helens I don’t see why we can’t be real contenders for the title this year,” said Broughton.
“I think we’re starting to change the opinion that the Dragons aren’t a good defensive side any more, and Glenn Stewart is instrumental in all of that, without a doubt.
“If you’re above your station as a player he’s the first one to bring you back down to earth and get your head screwed on again. He’s got a winning mentality and he’s brought some great defensive stuff in from the NRL that is making us a much better team.”
Broughton played only ten times for the Giants last year, but he has scored eleven tries in his nine games for the Catalans this season.
And he revealed that he has made a key difference to his life off the field, which could be helping to bring the best out of him on it.
“It’s probably the first time in my career I’ve not worked as well as playing, and had some stuff going on off the field,” he said.
“I was a quantity surveyor back in England as well as a rugby player. I’ve taken a sabbatical from that since joining the Dragons and I’d like to go back to it, but it’s given me some free time and my life is a lot more relaxed these days. I’ve moved to the opposite side, having spent my entire career on the left too, and the transition is definitely going well.
“I’m just happy to be playing on a regular basis every week. If I can stay injury-free long may it continue, but we just want to keep improving on a team.”
