Exciting times for Catalans, says Steve McNamara

He said: “For the past few weeks I’ve been a bit grumpy, saying we are not playing as well as we can and it might still be the case but I am so so pleased with the application and effort from everyone within our organisation and I’m very proud.

“We had a good start to the season and we’ve taken every challenge on board. It’s exciting times for the club. I could pick holes in the performance but we’ve scored six tries, the crowd’s had some fun and the players are enjoying it, we’re happy where we are.

“It’s exciting times for us, we’re in a good position, we’ve got young players itching to get in, we can bring in new players if we need to, so we’re a happy bunch.”

Sam Tomkins, Alrix Da Costa and Sam Kasiano touched down for the Dragons before the break with Gil Dudson, Fouad Yaha and Tom Davies crossing in the second half.

All six tries were converted by veteran stand off James Maloney, who boasted a perfect kicking record of eight from eight on his return from suspension.

REPORT: Catalans 40-20 Wakefield: James Maloney returns to inspire leaders to another win

Wakefield did not wilt in the 32-degree heat and humidity in Perpignan and scored three tries of their own through David Fifita (two) and Yusuf Aydin, but in the end Catalans were too strong for them.

Trinity coach Chris Chester was pleased with elements of his side’s performance against the league leaders but admitted they need to improve the quality of their play and cut out “silly little errors”.

He also felt aggrieved at some of the decisions that went against his team.

He said: “Looking at the stats tonight with the six agains and without having a go at the referee there is a really loud, vocal crowd here and I thought there were a few crowd calls tonight and maybe the referee needed to be a little bit stronger with some of those decisions.

“I will go through the right channels and chat with the right people in the morning.”