But they still put out a team of full time professionals, several of whom are internationals, and struggled to overcome a team of part-time players. Regardless of who they were missing, it was professionals versus semi-pros.

Don't underestimate the damage that occurs when a team loses its two star play makers, hooker, and two top back rowers. The coach erred somewhat in his selections, even though the replacements narrowly came home with the bacon.

The proof is what happened the following week, when a nearly full strength Catalans devastated and humiliated the full time professional team from Wigan.

The way their going a.t.m, they could get dragged into in the middle eights!

Imagine the furore if the second expansion club fell out of S.L in the space of two seasons .

What are the excuses this week Jean?

I dont think its anything to do with this week specifically. We havent looked good all season, Wigan (h) excepted we have failed to convince.

Pretty similar to last season but we did start firing by this time to make our run to the semis.

I agree the middle 8s looks a prospect with two away matches out of three and no sign of an away win.

I called it weeks ago. Catalans will be playing in the middle 8's.

I don't see them picking up a point from their remaining 3.

If Hull beat Cas and KR beat Salford this week I reckon they're done for.

Well the points difference and fact there is a Hull derby followed by two unwinnable fixtures mean that I don't think either Hull club will gain more than 3 points.

1 win will secure Catalans top 8, but even 3 losses might see them remain 8th.

The PD between Hull and Catalans is 19. That could well be in Hull's favour by weekend if we win and they lose. I think it's unlikely that 3 defeats will see them home.

depends on which way you look it.

If Huddersfield and Leeds play the way they have been recently, they should dismantle Catalans putting plenty of points on them. If Widnes play the way they have been at home, they should win too. I also think that they Catalan will drop out, however it all depends on the Hull Derby and their game vs Huddersfield. They could be out of the top eight if they lose their next two games, Hull FC, Hull KR win their first games next week and the Derby goes either way with a small difference in score. Ideal case scenario for the Derby would be a draw, then both would be in top eight. Providing the hull teams win next week.

I reckon KR's PD means they need to win the Derby and beat Salford, which is what I think will happen, although Hull v Rovers is always something of a coin flip. Hull can probably scrape home just by beating Cas, as long as they keep the other two (KR away, Wigan home) tight.

If only a finishing position was based on a single performance in May eh.

Yesterday there was no Morgan Escare, no Michael Oldfield, no Todd Carney, no Eloi Pelissier, no John Zebolon Ta'ia and no Thomas Bosc. Apart from Bosc they comprise five of the seven most gifted attacking players the team possesses. They are also five of the most exciting attacking players in all of Super League.

Well that explains it then. Good job no other team has had any injuries this season isn't it?

Do you really have nothing better to do than post this drivel all day? Get a job!

Why are people even responding to this troll? Ignore him people, its the only way!