Catalan winger Michael Oldfield says the club is not concerned about relegation after posting its first win after five losses in as many games at the weekend, and he is confident the Dragons players will now turn their season around.
Oldfield, who joined the Dragons from the NRL’s Sydney Roosters, is in his first season in Super League. The 23-year old, who has a two-year deal with Catalans, said there was some positives from the Dragons’ performance the previous week against St Helens.
“There was big signs of improvement compared with recent weeks,” Oldfield said.
“Injuries haven’t helped us.”
Oldfield, who crossed for two tries against Saints, said the message from Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous was brief after the Saints’ defeat and during the buildup to the visit of the Giants.
“He kept it short but he saw how devastated we were,” he said.
“He reiterated the things we need to work on.”
The Dragons have been missed a number of key players through injury, including Scott Dureau and Ian Henderson.
“Everything’s against us on the playing losses,” Oldfield said.
“But that was no excuses for us to be losing the way we were. We knew we had to stick together and the wins would come.”
The Australian flyer said relegation hasn’t been discussed at the club.
“I haven’t heard anything about it,” Oldfield said.
“It’s early days and I’m sure we won’t be worrying about it at the end of the season.”
One player who has gained from the injury and suspension crisis, however, is hooker Eloi Pelissier.
“When Ian Henderson got injured it was unlucky for him and for the team, but for me it was a chance to show what I can do,” said Pelissier.
“I want to show that I am more than a fifteen or twenty minute player and that I can play for a full game at a high quality. I think I showed that at St Helens last week and against Huddersfield this week. I hope I can continue this form to play more minutes.
“My contract is finished at the end of this season, so my aim is to impress and get a new contract with the Dragons. I hope when Ian Henderson comes back into the team that Laurent is able to find a way to play us both with lots of minutes so we can both help the team. If that is not possible then maybe I will have to look at other options if they become available.
“I have worked hard this year to improve my game and also my attitude. Some stupid decisions I have made on the field are now out of my game, and I hope that I am playing smarter with the help of the coaches and other players.”
