“He’s a God-given talent” – French sensation Arthur Mourgue hailed

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has heaped praise on “God-given talent” Arthur Mourgue, saying his value to the team is growing each week.

With stand-off James Maloney still suspended for Saturday’s home clash with Hull KR, Mourgue will get another opportunity to make his mark on the team.

After previously playing at scrum-half, full-back and hooker, McNamara is delighted with the youngster’s versatility.

McNamara said: “We’re really pleased with him. His progression has been great.

“He’s a really sensible, professional young man who is performing well. There are parts of his game that he’d want to keep improving but he’s learning three or four different positions.

“That’s his biggest value to us. He’s got something there in terms of his speed, power and his agility, he’s a God-given talent and his value to the team is growing.”

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The Dragons are aiming to make the most of a few more home comforts in their bid to strengthen their position at the top of the Betfred Super League table.

The French club’s scheduled opponents Castleford withdrew from Saturday’s fixture due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the club but Hull KR agreed to step in at short notice, taking on the Challenge Cup runners-up’s travel arrangements after their game against St Helens was also postponed.

The decision was hailed by McNamara, whose side get the chance to build on their club-record nine-match winning run.

McNamara said: “Players want to play, coaches want to coach and our club needs the home game without a doubt.

“It’s the right thing for the competition and we’d have done the same if it had meant us having to go away again.

“They need it as well, they need to play games. It’s going to be a really good game.”

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Crowd restrictions have been lifted in line with England but new Covid rules are likely to dash the Catalans’ hopes for a bumper attendance at Stade Gilbert Brutus.

McNamara added: “We’re OK with a capacity crowd if we can get that but spectators have got to be either double-vaccinated or have a negative Covid test within 24 hours so that does make it difficult for people.

“It was great last week against Leeds to get back in front of our fans and hopefully we’ll get a big crowd on Saturday.”