Baitieri delighted with Dragons’ resilience and youth

Catalan Dragons forward Jason Baitieri is pleased that his club’s youth policy seems to be bearing fruit, with several young Frenchmen making an impact in Super League this season. 

A number of young French players have stepped up into the club’s first team in 2013, often covering for more experienced playeers who have succumbed to injury.

“We had a fair few troubles at the beginning of the season, with Scott Dureau and a few players having injuries,” Baitieri told Love Rugby League.

“Some of those injuries were life-threatening at the time, like Kevin Larroyer and his heart problem. 

“Throughout the season we had a few problems with injuries, with Brent Webb injuring himself, Louis Anderson, myself and Olivier Elima too.

“But the team still pulled together and produced some really good wins. They’re still working really hard, and some players are coming back now.

“So this weekend against Hull will be a really good indication of where we are.”

Baitieri himself has missed most of the season, thanks to a knee injury sustained while playing against Huddersfield Giants in April. He is still paying close attention to the team’s progress, though.

Despite Hull’s good form on occasion this season, Baitieri insists that the Dragons will be focusing on their own game ahead of this weekend’s play-off clash with the Airlie Birds.

“We try and concentrate on ourselves, really,” he added.

“They’ve had a pretty good season, with making Wembley being a great achievement for the club.

“But we’re concentrating on ourselves. We know where their weaknesses are and we’re ready to exploit it.”