‘We are stronger’: Tomkins’ tip on Catalans’ challenge

BY JOHN DAVIDSON

CATALANS DRAGONS star Sam Tomkins believes his team are stronger this year, as they aim for a maiden premiership, declaring rivals St Helens are not “unbeatable”.

Saints are aiming for a record fourth title in a row this season, after knocking off Catalans in the 2021 grand final.

Last year was a big campaign for the Dragons and Tomkins, who was crowned Man of Stell.

The England skipper feels the experience his side gained over the past 12 months, combined with the quality of the club’s new recruits from Australia, has been put them in a better spot to dethrone the Red V.

“I can’t wait to get going,” Tomkins said. 

“The off-season always seems like such a long time. All the players are excited to see the end of pre-season. We feel like we’re ready for St Helens.

“I think we [Catalans] are stronger. We’ve got a lot young players that have gained some real valuable experience last year. We had a great season last year by our standards, but we had a lot of French lads who got their chance last year. 

“They improved the squad. And the three signings [Mitchell Pearce, Dylan Napa and Tyrone May] are all very good signings. Mitchell being the front of those, he’s a real talented bloke. 

“It’s clear in training he’s a special kind of player. Hopefully that will translate onto the field. Dylan is going to cause some damage to some people this year. Tyrone May can play anywhere. I think he’ll have some value at the start of the season.”

Pearce replaces James Maloney at Catalans, with one former NSW State of Origin half making way for another former Blues playmaker.

“Jimmy was a real experienced NRL player that knew how to lead a team around,” Tomkins said. 

“What we’ve signed is a younger version of Jimmy. Mitch is just as accomplished as Jimmy. So it was important as a club that we had to go and get another big name. 

“Mitch is certainly that player. He’s a different sort of player to Jimmy, but that’s really exciting.”

St Helens beat Salford in the grand final in 2019, Wigan in 2020 and then the Dragons last year.

Kristian Woolf’s men are now gunning for a historic four-peat, and the ex-Wigan custodian feels Saints are still the frontrunners in Super League.

“Saints are still the team to beat. They’ve been the benchmark for three years. They’ll come out and be strong again. But we know they’re not unbeatable.”

2022 will see Toulouse enter Super League for the first time, with two French clubs in the top flight a history-making feat.

Tomkins is excited about his team finally having a local rival, and is desperate for them not to be relegated immediately.

“I think it’s going to have a huge impact,” he said. 

“It’s massive for French rugby league and for Catalans. We’re going to have a rival for the first time ever. It’s exciting. 

“I’m desperate for Toulouse to be successful and stay in Super League and become a real fixture in Super League. The more they can stay in Super League, the more our rivalry can grow. 

“I think it’s going to be a real battle for them [to avoid relegation]. They’ve got a pretty light squad and they’ve just lost their two best players as well. Hopefully they can get some late recruits and give themselves some depth. 

“Hopefully they can do it.”

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