Sat 1 Feb: SL: Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants KO 5pm (UK Time)

[MZH 1,843]

6-16

I know it's only the first game, and they might even win this one yet, but anyone who thinks Catalans will be a force this year needs their head testing. 

[Mr Frisky 689]

I think Cats will be a force in SL this season.

[Manfred Mann 783]

23 minutes ago, Mr Frisky said:

I think Cats will be a force in SL this season.

I am prepared to test your head for a modest fee.

[Mr Frisky 689]

5 minutes ago, Manfred Mann said:

I am prepared to test your head for a modest fee.

Ok, just let me know when you have the money ready.

[scrumhalf 104]

12-18

[scrumhalf 104]

12-22

[scrumhalf 104]

12-24

[Manfred Mann 783]

This should not be happening, given the quality of the individual players in the Catalans team. When will Bernard Guasch wake up to the fact that Steve McNamara is a hopelessly incompetent coach?

[scrumhalf 104]

12.30

[Chris22 1,161]

That's a shocker of a defeat for Catalans. The squad they have now and squads they have had previously should not be getting hammered at home by teams who are frequently in the bottom half. But this has happened for years and looks like its continuing.

What is it about Catalans? Poor coaching, bad attitude from players or a culture of accepting failure? Possibly all three and more.

In fact, I recall posting this after a heavy Catalans defeat on the opening weekend of 2018 to Widnes. And little seems to have changed, save for a remarkable mid-2018 run.

 

Edited February 1 by Chris22

[barnyia 1,231]

The doctor has spent more time on the field than most of the players for hudersfield. Kenny Edwards showing his class and intelligence, like a spoilt kid, dancing jumping around, inciting the crowd and players! 

[JonNgog 212]

why is McNamara still in a job? does anyone besides Guasch actually know?

[barnyia 1,231]

Nobody's giving hudersfield any credit, they've a pretty good team 

[scrumhalf 104]

12-32 full time

Edited February 1 by scrumhalf

[Gooleboy 826]

Firstly well done to Huddersfield. As for Catalans, as usual, loads of hype and under achievement.

[Clogiron 1,780]

12 minutes ago, Chris22 said:

That's a shocker of a defeat for Catalans. The squad they have now and squads they have had previously should not be getting hammered at home by teams who are frequently in the bottom half. But this has happened for years and looks like its continuing.

What is it about Catalans? Poor coaching, bad attitude from players or a culture of accepting failure? Possibly all three and more.

In fact, I recall posting this after a heavy Catalans defeat on the opening weekend of 2018 to Widnes. And little seems to have changed, save for a remarkable mid-2018 run.

 

I think you summed it up pretty well there, why Gausch is happy to accept such mediocrity season after season is the real puzzle. If he is the one who has the final say on their recruitment policy it may well be his sanity that should be called into question though asking that question of a man who's a dab hand with a Meat Cleaver isn't sensible either! Maybe he should take a few training sessions with a couple of said items to hand and see if that improves commitment and performance

 

[Futtocks 13,094]

27 minutes ago, JonNgog said:

why is McNamara still in a job? does anyone besides Guasch actually know?

He turned Catalans around from utterly mediocre form not so very long ago.

I hate to say it, but the club's recruitment policy seems very similar to that of the top French RU sides. A chairman chucking money at anyone who's been in the headlines and hoping that a mis-matched bunch of high-profile names will work better than a properly-assembled squad. It would also explain their dismissive attitude towards the French players compared to foreign signings.

Edited February 1 by Futtocks

[MZH 1,843]

1 hour ago, Mr Frisky said:

I think Cats will be a force in SL this season.

Every year they have a handy squad but their attitude is poor and they don't achieve half as much as they should. This year won't be any different. 

[GIANTSTRIDES 291]

 

Well done Giants,  Wasn't supposed to happen and  won't be anything to do with them playing well or anything, Great way to spoil Wally Wayoo's  night though

[Ant 798]

Giants have had a good team for a couple of seasons, just hammered by injuries.

I wasnt expecting a win, but I'm not surprised either.

Still got some quality to come back into the side too.

[MZH 1,843]

16 minutes ago, GIANTSTRIDES said:

 

Well done Giants,  Wasn't supposed to happen and  won't be anything to do with them playing well or anything, Great way to spoil Wally Wayoo's  night though

I think you have a good side. I can't remember if it was on here or rlfans but on one of the squad threads I remember commenting that you have a much stronger squad than people are giving you credit for. I can't see you being in any relegation bother. 

[Fartownfrontrow 10]

Well played Fartown good competent display keep it up Loiners next another win if you and defend foe each other up the claret and gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

1 

[Man of Kent 5,930]

Blimey, it’s only the first game! I’d still bet my last Euro on Catalans finishing above Huddersfield. 

Edited February 1 by Man of Kent

[DavidM 8,393]

Everything changes and nothing changes !

[Ant 798]

1 minute ago, Man of Kent said:

Blimey, it’s only the first game! I’d still bet my last Euro on Catalans finishing above Huddersfield. 

You go do that then