Dylan Napa will learn from red card, says Catalans Dragons coach
Referee Liam Moore gives a red card to Dylan Napa of Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara says debutant Dylan Napa will learn a lot from his sending off at St Helens in the opening game of the season.
The Cook Islands international joined the Dragons in the off-season on a two-year deal from NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs, with the option of a third year in the south of France.
Napa made his debut for the club in Catalans’ 28-6 defeat to champions St Helens on Thursday night in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final.
But he was shown a red card in the 71st minute for a high shot on Mark Percival.
On Napa’s debut, McNamara told Sky Sports: “I thought he put himself about a lot, with his physical presence.
“He’s obviously been called for going too high at the end of the game, that’s what’s he’s been pinged by and he’s paid the price for that. He’ll learn a lot from it.
“I didn’t see it (the tackle) too closely. I’m not sure. Initially, I thought he hit the ball and it had gone up a little bit but I’ll have to look closely again.”
More on Catalans Dragons
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Mitchell Pearce hails ‘world class’ team-mate Sam Tomkins
Steve McNamara disappointed in attacking display in opening defeat
France international winger Fouad Yaha scored the first try of the 2022 Super League season. He gave the Dragons an early lead but Saints scored 28 unanswered points to take the spoils.
Catalans were dealt a blow as French prop Julian Bousquet suffered a broken arm in their loss at Saints.
Samoa international Tyrone May’s debut for the Dragons was cut short due to an eye injury. However, it isn’t thought to be too serious.
McNamara’s side will aim to return to winning ways next Saturday when they welcome Wakefield to the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
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