Season Preview: Catalans Dragons

After a season of two halves in 2016, Catalans will be hoping for a more consistent campaign this year.

After a strong first half to their 2016 campaign Catalans faltered to a sixth placed finish and will have their sights set on a play-off place in 2017.

An impressive home record has always been crucial for the Dragons and they will look to continue to make it difficult for sides to leave the Stade Gilbert Brutus with the two points this season.

Catalans have lost some big names ahead of 2017 with the likes of Gregory Mounis, Pat Richards and Todd Carney leaving Perpignan.

Laurent Frayssinous has recruited well from the Super League and NRL however and will also be looking for his emerging French stars to hold down first team places in 2017.

TRANSFERS

In: Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans), Luke Walsh (St Helens), Iain Thornley (Hull KR), Luke Burgess (Salford Red Devils), Brayden Wiliame (Manly Sea Eagles), Michael Simon (Wakefield Trinity).

Out: Antoni Maria (Leigh Centurions), Glenn Stewart (Leigh Centurions), Eloi Pelissier (Leigh Centurions), Romain Navarette (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Escare (Wigan Warriors), Stanislas Robin (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Pat Richards (Retired), Gregory Mounis (Retired), Todd Carney (Released), Dave Taylor (Released), Willie Mason (Released), Olivier Elima (Released).

Luke Walsh joins the Dragons after three years at St Helens

Greg Bird last played for Catalans in 2009 before joining Gold Coast Titans

KEY PLAYER – LUKE WALSH

Luke Walsh has been brought in to replace playmaker Todd Carney and head coach Laurent Frayssinous will be hoping the 29-year-old can also bring some experience and leadership to the side.

The stand-off scored 466 points across his three seasons with St Helens and will be the pivotal creative force for the Dragons in 2017.

FIRST SIX FIXTURES

Warrington Wolves (H, Sky) Saturday February 11, 18.00

Hull FC (A), Thursday February 23, 20.00

Widnes Vikings (H, Sky) Saturday March 4, 20.00

Leeds Rhinos (A) Friday March 10, 20.00

St Helens (H) Saturday March 18, 18.00

Castleford Tigers (A) Sunday March 26, 15.30

FR | Galerie photos : Entraînement https://t.co/at0NakJqKa
EN | Photo gallery : Training https://t.co/4X7pEuphGB pic.twitter.com/0pCoupzeLU

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 4, 2017

ODDS

Challenge Cup winners @ 16/1

Man of Steel winner – Greg Bird @ 33/1

Regular season winners @ 40/1

All odds are from Betfred, the official sponsor of Super League.