Fakir to stay with Catalans Dragons

[audois]

Its been reported here that the 27 year old forward Jamel Fakir has re-signed for the Dragons - extending his existing contract to the end of 2013. He had expected to switch to union and Castres in Top 14.

Must admit his idea of playing centre didn't for me anyway really fit. He has lost some of that explosivity he had before those two serious knee injuries back in 2006 but he still offers something positive to the team. Pleased because he is popular, whole hearted player and a good team member. He started in the front row against Wire and its where I always thought he would finish up. Will play his 89th game in the clubs colours this weekend. Allez JaJa! Allez.

[hindle xiii]

Great if true, now for Pelo to officially not go to the darkside.

[barnyia]

Great if true, now for Pelo to officially not go to the darkside.

its true its in the french paper today. read also that he never actually signed a contract with castres, neither as pelo with montpellier, the clubs have never approached the catalans for negotiations!!!!!

barney

[BroncoFan]

Great news, is it on the Dragons website yet ?

[audois]

Great news, is it on the Dragons website yet ?

Yes. Confirmed.

Whats interesting to see now at Catalans is that a group of senior French players are racking up Super League experience. Guisset, Mounis and Bosc all 100 games under their belts now with Casty, Ferriol and Fakir heading that way. Where at one time all the French players were inexperienced depending soley on the antipodeans to lead the way now its slowly changing. It will be that bit easier for the next wave of young French hopefuls.

Edited August 1, 2010 by audois

[Wendall]

Great news for Cats. Fakir scored a blinding try v Wire last week.

[PaulW]

He played well today, very strong and hit the ball with pace. Good to see him committing to the right code.

[ParisSurtout]

If they can now keep Pelo and Greenshields, then the new coach should have them firing to their full capablility next year......which is as playoff certainties.

If that happens, then the new ground should average 10,000 a week, with the big games (e.g. Wigan, Warrington, Leeds) sold out at 11,000. Hopefully then the gate returns will put the club in a much stronger financial position.

Edited August 1, 2010 by ParisSurtout

[Dave T]

Yes. Confirmed.

Whats interesting to see now at Catalans is that a group of senior French players are racking up Super League experience. Guisset, Mounis and Bosc all 100 games under their belts now with Casty, Ferriol and Fakir heading that way. Where at one time all the French players were inexperienced depending soley on the antipodeans to lead the way now its slowly changing. It will be that bit easier for the next wave of young French hopefuls.

Guisset has now played 250 games in SL, he has been a very good SL player.

[audois]

Guisset has now played 250 games in SL, he has been a very good SL player.

Yes Guisset like Elima had to go overseas to develop their game. I think at Catalans its a bit about creating a critical mass of senoir players with experience that eventually will pay. But compare that to players like Senior and Cunningham who alone have near 400-500 games under their belts. Its a significant difference and its what takes clubs like Saints and Leeds to another level. But at the Dragons keen to see what players like Baile and Martins can do. Both out for long spells this year but talented and still in early 20s.