Catalans Dragons preview

Last season

After the 'annus horiblis' that was the wooden spoon in 2010, the Dragons came roaring back to form last season.

Under the leadership of new coach Trent Robinson, the Perpignan-based club went from rock bottom to sixth in the table, overcoming defeats in their first two fixtures to finish with a haul of 31 points.

Although their play-off hopes came to a disappointing end, a 44-0 defeat away to Wigan meaning they finished with a whimper rather than a bang, it is still foolish to overlook what Robinson achieved in his debut campaign.

Crucially, the 34-year-old - who spent a year playing for Toulouse before taking over there as coach - was able to make French the first language of the squad, though the influence from Australasia was still there for all to see.

Scott Dureau proved to be a revelation after arriving from the Newcastle Knights (where he was amazingly deemed surplus to requirements), providing 20 try assists to earn a place in Super League's Dream Team.

He was joined in there by Steve Menzies, the veteran Australian enjoying the French sun so much that he has decided to delay his retirement and have one more season with Catalans.

Ins and outs

After being busy last winter, bringing in no fewer than 11 new faces, things have been much quieter at Stade Gilbert Brutus during this off-season.

As usual the Dragons have raided the French domestic competition to add depth to their squad, but the two biggest recruits have both come from Super League rivals.

New Zealand international Louis Anderson was snapped up from Warrington on a three-year contract, yet his signing has been overshadowed by that of Leon Pryce. The stand-off becomes the first Englishman to ply his trade for Catalans after swapping the north of England for the south of France.

Pryce endured an injury-hit 2011 and at 30 decided the time was right to move abroad. He is likely to form the half-back partnership with Dureau, though interestingly he has been given the number three jersey.

With injuries hitting hard before the opening kick-off, Robinson has added former Hull KR hooker Ben Fisher on a two-month loan deal from Batley.

As for those heading out the exit door, Ben Farrar has returned to the NRL after one season in Europe, joining reigning champions Manly, while Sebastien Martins has penned a deal with Pia.

Outlook

There is no reason to believe that the Dragons won't be firmly in the play-off mix again this season, despite their hopes for a flying start being hit by a raft of injuries.

Captain Gregory Mounis and wingers Damien Blanch, Cyril Stacul and Frederic Vaccari are all on the sidelines already, leaving Robinson a little light on bodies for the opening weeks.

However, provided the casualty list does get shorter, Les Catalans look capable of doing more than just making up the top eight. Crucially, they have improved their home form in recent years, meaning a trip to Perpignan is no longer as good for opposing players as it is for their supporters.

The addition of Pryce is certainly intriguing - 2011 was practically a write-off for the former Great Britain international, but if he can stay healthy (and that's a big 'if' these days) he could be the signing that takes the Dragons to the next level.

With a powerful pack able to put them on the front foot, both Dureau and Pryce - if he does indeed start in the half-backs - could prosper, creating chances galore for a back-line that has plenty of finishing power.

It is also crucial to recognise just how much a part of Super League the Dragons have become these days, complete with partisan, colouful crowds in their atmospheric ground. After the troubled times in Wales with Crusaders, the RFL should be patted on the back for their efforts in France.