Skip to content

Into the Dragons' den

Image: Daryl Millard: danger in the centre

Stevo is expecting another classic encounter when Catalans host St Helens on Friday night.

Can Saints escape the Dragons' lair?

I am looking forward to being in the South of France. I always like it down there and hopefully there will be some good weather - I have not seen much of that for a while! Let's hope there is no rain because in dry conditions you would expect another fantastic game from Catalans and St Helens. I don't think anyone who is keen on rugby league will forget that amazing fight back by Catalans the last time these two sides met. St Helens were leading 20-8 at half time and it looked like the game was done and dusted. But Catalans came out in the second half and completely overran them and won 34-32! It was an unbelievable game and I am expecting more of the same on Friday. Both sides love to play open football and there is quality on both sides. Scott Dureau is the man who organises everything for Catalans and has had a great season. They are a big side with forwards who really front up and set up a platform. Daryl Millard is a big unit in the centre and they also have the likes of Setaimata Sa and Jamal Fakir. St Helens are a class outfit too and keep on rolling along. You can never write them off and they know how to win the big and important games. It will be interesting to see if Nathan Brown has any effect on this game - will St Helens bring him in or will they give him a few weeks off and allow Keiron Cunningham and Mike Rush to stay in control? I would keep things just the way they are, let Brown have some time off and let Saints focus on their game plan rather than a new coach coming in. Saints will receive a massive psychological boost if they can go down to Catalans and beat them on their home turf. Catalans are not in the top three for nothing. There are some sensational players at St Helens - James Roby just gets better and better while Jonny Lomax is on fire at the moment. Catalans are hard to beat though, they took Warrington apart a few weeks ago and their partisan crowd seem to lift them to new heights STAR MAN: There are so many to pick from but if Saints are to go and upset Catalans in their own backyard then James Roby will need to put in another superb performance. He is an amazing player and has a massive influence on the game. STEVO SAYS: I think Catalans will win this game. They play very well at home and not many sides come away from the south of France with a 'W' next to their name. Saints will have to play at the top of their game if they want to get anywhere near them.

Around Sky