Scott Dureau: We needed the week off

Scott Dureau says Super League’s week off gave his side a chance to refresh after a busy time spent abroad.

Catalan have struggled in recent weeks after their Challenge Cup exit at home to Warrington Wolves. They underperformed against Widnes and London before throwing away a 20-point lead away to Salford.

Their last game was a defeat to Wigan at Montpellier, but Dureau says the Exiles game and the time off will give the Dragons a chance to mentally recharge and spend time with their families.

He said: “I think the guys needed a break mentally, so it’s great they got last weekend off with no club games on. A few of the guys will have had a little holiday to freshen up and get ready for the second half of the season.

“I think we had four away games in a row at one stage and it coincided with us losing at Salford, the last of that run, and there were some really tired bodies going around. I think week off will be good for the club in general.”

Dureau revealed the reason for the tiring Dragons, as the squad have travelled to and from Perpignan for each of those four games.

Their first was a narrow win away to Widnes before playing London in Manchester. Their first loss came away to Salford on the Friday night after the Magic Weekend before they travelled two hours along the French coast to Montpellier to face Wigan.

Catalan haven’t played at the Stade Gilbert Brutus since that Challenge Cup quarter final loss to Warrington, and Dureau explains how long it takes for the Dragons to travel to and from away matches.

He said: “It is a seven hour round trip when we get to England each time, and when your doing that you’re only spending two or three days at home.

“We’ve had two losses in a row which isn’t ideal, but that’s footy I suppose. We get have to travel each week and we get used to it, but sometimes it may affect you.”