Catalan will not take London lightly

Catalan Dragons are determined that they will not fall into the trap of underestimating London Broncos at Magic Weekend.

While some teams are playing fierce, combative derbies, the French outfit are left to open the weekend with what some might consider an underwhelming contest against Super Leaue’s bottom side.

But experienced back rower Louis Anderson is still sure his side will be professional in how they prepare.

“I think sometimes it can be a bigger challenge,” he told Love Rugby League.

“Sometimes when you play those bigger teams, it’s easier to get motivated. When you’re playing teams below you in the table, it’s a bigger challenge.

“You need to make sure that you find that motivation, and prepare well. You need to approach the game like you would a big game.

“So it’s still a challenge, and we need to bounce back from last week at Warrington.

“If we go up to Manchester and play like we did against the Wolves it’s going to make it hard.

“I think that everyone appreciates in rugby league that if you have a disappointing performance like we did against Warrington, then you need to make up for it.

“We’ll work hard at Magic, for the game against London, and try and turn things round a bit.”

Catalan coach Laurent Frayssinous is also sure that his team will be able to put in a big performance in England soon. The French outfit have not travelled well this season.

London are the only side which the Dragons have managed to beat away from their Stade Gilbert Brutus fortress. Rspecting possession is key to winning away, according to Frayssinous

“Against any opposition at this level, without the ball you can’t challenge,” he told reporters.

“We know that we have some quality players who can do something special with the ball, if we respect it, and if we are patient enough.

“We share with the boys all week about bringing the attitude from Gilbert Brutus to England.

“We need to keep in sharing with that boys, and I’m pretty sure at one stage we will be able to challenge a good team in England.

“When? I hope as soon as possible.”

The Catalan side has been boosted recently by several young French players becoming first team regulars. Anderson is enthused by the presence of young homegrown talent like Morgan Escare.

“There’s some good young French talent coming through,” Anderson added.

“It’s good to see them playing, and they are playing well.

“Hopefully we can keep them with us, and they can keep playing well.”