Tony Smith backs Catalans for Grand Final glory

Hull KR coach Tony Smith believes Catalans Dragons winning their maiden Grand Final would be a good thing for rugby league.

Hull KR fell short to a 28-10 defeat against the League Leaders’ Shield winners in Perpignan on Thursday night.

REPORT: Catalans 28-10 Hull KR: Dragons reach Grand Final for first time ever

Tony Smith was full of praise for Catalans and also his own team’s performances this season, which had been better than many had expected.

He said: “Well deserved by Catalans, I thought they got their flow good in the second half. We were still in the game at half-time but unfortunately their flow improved in the second half.

“They were a bit more urgent and we weren’t quite on that same energy plane that we were last week and that has got to be our biggest challenge.

“We have to back it up week after week but we are making progress.

“We worked hard and got to where we wanted to be. We’re disappointed we didn’t get to the next step but we should be proud of what we’ve done this year.

LES DRACS: Steve McNamara reflects on “massive night” for Catalans Dragons

Smith on the future for Hull KR

“We believe in ourselves and we’ve got to work harder and get smarter next year and take some of the hurt from this year and work with it.

“We will have a review, then a break and back into it to get ready for next year.

“I can’t thank our supporters enough, here tonight at Catalans and back home in Craven Streat. They have made a massive effort and we want to keep building together with them.

“I can’t give Catalans enough praise and I wish them well next week. I’m close friends with Steve McNamara and I wish the club well.

“It’s a good thing for the sport and having a new face on the trophy can only be a positive for rugby league.”

RUGBY LEAGUE TODAY: Old Trafford awaits Catalans & Cumbrian Super League hopes