NEW Catalans Dragons coach John Cartwright is a firm believer in the French game and wants to play a part in its growth – starting with Saturday’s marquee match in Paris.
The Australian is only one game into his tenure, having been appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the season following an acrimonious exit from Hull FC.
After taking charge of a 36-22 win at York Knights, Cartwright has had two weeks to prepare his new side for their big trip to the capital.
They face Wigan Warriors at the 20,000-capacity Stade Jean Bouin in a special event to mark both the 30-year anniversary of Super League’s opening match in the city (Paris St Germain v Sheffield Eagles at Stade Charléty) and 20 years of Catalans’ involvement in the competition.
While PSG lasted only two seasons, Catalans have become an established force, winning a Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield plus reaching two Grand Finals, and now have Toulouse Olympique for company in the competition.
“Potentially it’s a really important piece of the puzzle for Rugby League to be successful in the south of France,” said 60-year-old Cartwright.
“I think it’s very good for our game in general to have us and Toulouse competing. That, with London hopefully coming in, makes it a truly European Super League.”
For now, the Dragons have another capital city in focus as they play in Paris for the first time.
“It’s so exciting for the club, for all the staff and the players,” said Cartwright.
“They’ve all been talking about it. It’s a big moment to celebrate.
“I played in Super League around that time (he spent a season with Salford in 1997) and I remember that (PSG-Sheffield) game being played.
“These big occasions don’t come along every week so it’s not a hard game to get players up for. It’s very exciting to be in Paris and to play against such a famous club like Wigan.”
Catalans currently sit two points and two places outside the play-offs, having already been led this season by Joel Tomkins and then, in an interim capacity, Ryan Sheridan.
Cartwright insists he won’t be ripping up the script as he bids to get them into the top six.
He said: “There’s talent and ability to be able to win against the better sides in the competition. It’s my job to just find some consistency with results.
“What’s been embedded through the off-season is not going to change. For me it’s about getting to know that style of football, then I’ll slowly have my input.”
The Paris clash will be preceded by the final of the domestic Super XIII championship, between Carcassonne and Pia.
That begins at 3pm UK time (4pm local time), before Catalans play Wigan at 6.30pm (7.30pm local).