2014 Preview - Catalan Dragons

The long term and life threatening injury to Scott Dureau had a big impact on les Dracs in 2013 and the side were quite reliant on the leadership of players no longer with the club in large parts. 

Winning at home was twice as common as a win on the road, which isn't unusual for the French side as they did the same in 2012. Again that will be key. Better discipline, or better treatment by the disciplinary panel depending on your view, could also be crucial. Ranking as one of the top three sides for giving away penalties in six of their eight Super League seasons, its clearly an area they need to start addressing, especially as the disciplinary committee has a tendency to hand out the most severe bans to them. They lost the most games due to suspension last year (13) and they have consistently been a side in trouble with the disciplinary for some years, with only Wigan having more incidents considered by the Match Review Panel since 2010 and no one having more charges or games missed through suspension over that same period.

The leaders that have gone will be difficult to replace. Steve Menzies is a living legend in the game and whilst Ben Pomeroy has plenty of NRL experience he has massive boots to fill. Remi Casty has been a leading Super League prop for a number of years and so much more as an embodiment of his club. One of the best French players Super League has seen and a massive impact in earning momentum for his team will be replaced by Jeff Lima, who himself has been a top performer in NRL and Super League, but may not have the same desire for the badge.

Elsewhere, Michael Oldfield for Damien Blanch should work out well but the loaning out of promising home grown talent Kevin Larroyer to Hull KR is one of the more head scratching deals this winter.

Catalan did not win more than three games in a row in 2013, and only did this once. To make any progress for 2014 you would think they might have to become more consistent. Luck with injury in the playmaking positions and an ability to put the same 17 out for a run of weeks without suspension interrupting matters will be things the Dragons have to look for to earn any home game in the playoffs.

League Leaders Odds: 33/1
Grand Final Odds: 33/1
Cup Odds: 25/1
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 8th
Key man - Scott Dureau
One to watch - Morgan Escare

Tom's predictions:
League place - 9th
Key man - Jeff Lima
One to watch - Morgan Escare