Guisset desperate for cup success

Jerome Guisset has conceded that the Carnegie Challenge Cup is now the only realistic opportunity for Catalans Dragons to win silverware this season as they prepare to take on Batley on Saturday.

The Dragons have endured a slow start to the Engage Super League season, picking up just four points in their first 14 games, but the 31-year old is hopeful that an extended Cup run will salvage their season.

Guisset said: “Until we lost at home to Hull recently I did not think we were out of play-off contention but now it is going to be very difficult.

“We certainly do not want to finish bottom and the Challenge Cup is the incentive to turn a bad season around.”

Catalans Dragons have reached the quarter-finals after beating Salford City Reds and Crusaders RL and the French international forward is determined to go one better than 2007 when they were beaten 30-8 by St Helens in the first final back at Wembley.

“That was a memorable occasion but it would have been even more memorable had we turned in a better performance and won,” said the former Warrington and Wigan prop.

“Playing in the final, especially with it being the first at the new Wembley, was one of the highlights of my career. It was a great experience and it is just a shame we could not have been a bit more competitive on the day.

“Now we want to go one better especially after our disappointing league form.”

After a last-minute drop-goal from Thomas Bosc secured a gruelling 35-34 victory against Crusaders in the fifth round, Guisset is delighted to have avoided a third successive tie against Engage Super League opposition.

The French international said: “For sure we are relieved to have avoided the big boys and playing a Co-operative Championship side should be an easier route,” he said.

“We all know we are only 80 minutes away from Wembley if we win the quarter-final.”