image source, Getty Images
Catalans Dragons’ Romain Navarreta tries to escape against London Broncos
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Attempt: Phage 2, Sims 2, Nikorima, Bousquet the goal: Murgu 5 |
The Catalan Dragons defeated the undefeated newcomers London Broncos to move to 2 wins and 2 losses in the Super League.
Theo Fages twice skipped over from close range either side of Tarik Sims’ score as the Dragons led 16-0 at halftime.
Sims added a second goal and Julien Bousquet sealed a commanding victory after Jaden Nikorima fell.
The Broncos showed glimpses of their Super League game in London for the first time since being relegated in 2019, but it ended goalless.
The Londoners’ return to Super League has been a baptism of fire, with last season’s runners-up defeated after a heavy opening defeat to 10-time Super League champions St Helens. Their efforts paid off with just a try from Robbie Storey in two games.
A review by the video referee twice overturned the Catalans’ tries, but it only limited the damage in the first half as the big-spending Dragons clinically reminded their newcomers of their step up to the top table.
Plow Lane will be hosting a Super League match for the first time since the Broncos moved in 2022, and the hosts have made a terrible start to the big game.
From the Catalans’ first possession, Lee Kershaw converted a high kick to give the visitors a second set of six, before Fages finished off a fine show with a cross. Moments later, Sims spun out of a tackle and fell, rewarding the Dragon’s relentless momentum.
Second-rower Sadiku Adebiyi energized the Broncos by making a strong tackle on Bayley Sironen and forcing a knock-on, but they were unable to add the finishing touch from a promising position.
In contrast, the Dragons were relentless, returning captain Ben Garcia’s brutal drive within meters of the line, laying the foundation for Fages to go into the gap for his second goal.
The Broncos improved as the first half progressed, but Alrix da Costa and Jacob Jones held Chris Saté on the line to prevent the Dragons from disappearing over the horizon before half-time. A great job was needed.
Another bruising carry from Garcia gained field position and after halftime the Catalans’ ball started rolling, Jordan Abdul’s pass made the rest, opening a gap for Sims to slide through.
Dean Parata did a great job of containing Garcia, but his efforts began to show when substitute halfback Nikorima slotted between the posts and laid the foundations for a 28-0 run heading into the final 20 minutes.
A young Broncos team showed plenty of heart and flashes of promise as they cheered on the biggest home crowd since 2013 when they played at The Stoop.
But the Dragons didn’t need to find top gear to win in the canter as they started aiming for their third grand final in four seasons.
Steve McNamara’s side capped off an effective performance with their sixth try (five of which were improved by Arthur Mourg) when a simple feint allowed Busquet an easy goal under the posts. Ta).
London: Leyland, Kershaw, Storey, Miloudi, Makani, Campagnolo, Meadows, Butler, Davis, Kennedy, Lovell (captain), Adebiyi, Parata.
Interchange: Jones, Stock, Williams, Bassett.
Catalans: Mourg, Johnston, Romano, Iqbal, Yaha, Abdul, Farges, Navarrette, da Costa, Bousquet, Sims, Sironen, Garcia.
Interchange: McMeeken, Nikorima, Sate, Desaria.