Rugby League: Catalan Dragons’ improvement represents shift in Super League

The Dragons' two wins were impressive

The Catalan Dragons’ last couple of results really do represent the biggest shift in Super League so far this season.

To fly over and beat Warrington was one thing; to stay here, eating our funny food and listening to our strange accents, for five days and then beat Wigan was something else again.

Those who know his coaching always insisted that the Catalans would improve under Trent Robinson. That improvement has been delayed, but it has certainly been dramatic. And bear in mind that they still have their best player, Thomas Bosc, to return.

What of the two sides they beat… Have Warrington been reading their own press cuttings? Is there such a thing as a press cutting any more?

As for Wigan, has all the intrigue got to them? The departure of Gleeson, the return of Hock, the impending departure of Maguire, it all has to be covered up and denied. It must be exhausting.

Just on the playing front, it is surely time to use Sam Tomkins at stand-off a bit more, if only to get the ball in his hands more often. Brett Finch hasn’t settled in yet and needs to work his way in via the bench.

Meanwhile, what can we say about Widnes? When the Super League celebrations die down, the sobering truth, exposed by two thrashings by Leigh, is that not only are they miles off Super League standard, but they also have a way to go to be a decent Championship side.

The one player I’ve seen who looks to me like he is playing in the wrong division is Ben Kavanagh, who significantly signed a new contract extension this week. For the rest, I see a lot of nearlys and maybes.

I just hope Widnes don’t panic and get rid of Denis Betts on the basis of their uninispiring recent form. At the moment, he doesn’t have the material to work with.

For more from Dave, listen to The Independent’s rugby league podcast, Tryline. Click here for more details.

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