ST HELENS chairman Eamonn McManus has launched a passionate defence of Catalans Dragons.
The Saints owner, who has been at the helm of the Merseyside club for over two decades, believes that it would be “immoral and unacceptable” to ignore the contribution the Dragons have made to Super League since their inception back in the mid-2000s.
Much has been made of the future of Catalans within the sport, but McManus has insisted that the French side is always “very welcome” at St Helens.
As well as this, McManus has also referenced Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos heading to Las Vegas in 2026, revealing that the “door remains open” for Saints to participate later down the line.
The column reads: “Our fixture against Catalans Dragons represents an opportunity for us start to string together a much needed series of wins which can set the platform for a successful second half of the season and conclusion to it.
“There is no doubt that there is still everything to play for but there is equally no doubt that much improved and more consistent performances are necessary and with immediacy. We have been the author of our own downfall too often in recent weeks and it is our collective responsibility to get that right. And now.
“I am sympathetic to the hurt and deep frustration which our fans our presently experiencing. We share that. It is the responsibility of the club as a collective, and starting with me, both to strive for improvement this season and to strengthen the squad for next. Results are ultimately all important and the table does not lie. It is presently not good enough for a club of our standing and ambition. Real improvement must be sought and made by all.
“Congratulations to Hull KR and Leeds in forming a Yorkshire based Super League representation in Vegas 2026. We appreciated the opportunity to review and participate in the selection process this time around. Clearly Super League clubs are likely to be invited to participate by the NRL in 2027 and 2028 and the door remains open to us.
“Welcome to Catalans Dragons for our return 2026 fixture. They are always a physical and demanding opponent and we expect a very stern test yet again tonight. That is exactly what we need, and it is exactly what we need to overcome, at this moment in time.
“There remains continuing public dialogue as to whether Catalans Dragons constitute a worthwhile member of Super League. To me the answer is very simple: they have put an unparalleled investment and management effort into building a critical bridgehead for French rugby league in each of the last twenty seasons. It is quite simply immoral and unacceptable to ignore that. We should be looking to consolidate it and build upon it going forward, not detract from it. They are certainly always very welcome in St Helens.”
