A great side IMO and the club in general is certainly on the rise. Not sure about title contenders, but I think they've certainly got a good chance of breaking into that top 3/4 places. Additions of Louis and Pryce are good ones and they should play a big part in what they do next year if fit. People talk about Dureau, who is a fantastic player, but a man equally as impressive in that side is Ian Henderson. He had a great season last year and another player they need to keep fit for next season. If they want to do anything next year, they have to improve on their form in the UK though. I know conditions over in France suit them side a lot more, but they have to improve away. Discipline is another thing with them. They have to cut out the stupid penalties all the while if they want to go anywhere.

The problem with Catalans will always be weather.

They always start the season slowly in the cold and rain, pick up in the blistering heat, then fade again at the end of the season.

Think their main chance of silverwear will be the Challenge Cup in 2012.

Tough job for Trent Robinson to follow up the miracles performed last season - loads of pressure on him and the president will soon be on his back if they don't perform to at least last years standards.
Speaking with one of the players the other day he reckons the spirit in the camp is 'awesome' and Leon & Louis will be immense additions to the squad.
I still worry if Dureau is injured tho' - Pryce & Bosc can shuffle around where required but I think Barthau in the UTC line up is now ready for SL games after being prematurely thrown in at the deep end by Walters.

just coincidence about the weather conditions Jonny IMO - they were unlucky not to grab the points in early march against the mighty Saints at Perpignan in really cold conditions - Saints were hanging on at the end.heir first two home games were rubbish though,just like their pre season games with thesquad & coach getting to know each other

I don't think they'll win the league leaders, not because of squad strength but I don't think it's possible with the travel that they do, if they ever did it, I think it would be a sensational achievement.

Ref squad strength, Is it as strong as 'the big sides' ? I'm not sure, in some areas I think it could be and in others not so much, I think they lack some genuine strike threat in their three quarters excluding Greenshields and say Blanch at a push. I also have a lot of time for Jean-Phillipe Baile at centre, though I think he has some rough edges, but also tonnes of ability.

I think that young hooker, Pellisier (sic), he looks a talent, he could be a real one to watch from the bench in an Isaac Luke role.

Their pack is as good as anything in SL, just ill disciplined at times, Louis Anderson & Oliver Elima in the backrow, there's no more physical partnership than that but they'll gift away too many daft pens, throw in Fakir, Casty, Ferriol and a bit of Menzies guile then Henderson scooting here, there & everywhere and I like their pack immensely but they have a combustable element they need to control.

Bosc, Pryce & Dureau are as good as any halfback combo's kicking around in SL for me.

I'll probably get hammered for this, but I think I'd take their pack over Leeds or Wigan definately. It's whether from there they have the ability to put points on the board, maybe adding Pryce will help, but I'd like to have seen a little more added to the backline. Dare I say it, I think they're missing a King or a Carmont, somebody like that.

I would hope that all super league clubs have set their sights far higher than winning your League Leaders shield.
I would have thought that actually targeting the Rhino's Super League Grand Final crown would be most clubs target,your clubs too

I fancy them to pip Wigan to 6th spot.

I thunk the Dragons will be top four.
They may well reach a final, most likely is the CC.

Having reviewed it in my head, I just can't away from the fact that I think they're missing that little bit of class to win something. Leeds won SL by having the ability to score from anywhere on the pitch, they had little field position against us but scored 12 points from their own half. Similar wo what we did to Hull, scoring 30+ points with no ball.

a certain Rob Burrow did make a small contribution maybe ?

Could the Catalans be a potential source of signings for us over the next couple of seasons as we have players coming off contract?

What about Thomas Bosc or Leon Pryce to replace Briers?
Scott Dureau to come in at halfback in the unlikely event of Myler leaving (he might get an offer he can't refuse from the RFU)?

Ferriol or Fakir to replace Morley? Ian Henderson for Monas?

why would they want to leave Perpignan for Warrington ?

Bosc will never leave his roots and Ferriol will not leave France due to his business venture of which he is very 'hands on' - Hendo is getting on a bit and Fakir is still toying with offers from RU - the only possibility is Dureau who may be tempted away
Tony Smith should certainly be looking at Pelissier though - he is REAL class and would do well anywhere - another to swoop in and grab is the FB in the reserve team (UTC),Morgan Escaré who is a star in the making - you heard it here first folks......

You can see them been a big threat.Solid forwards who can mix it up when needed.And the back line has alot of creativity in it.Its all about finding consistently which could be they underdoing.

good point.....oh wait

he wasn't welcome at Perpignan,probably something to do with him allegedly trying to punch the presidents lights out...

Bradford was his only choice at the time...

Olivier would jump at the chance to play at the HJ - he's a bit of a nomad anyway as his playing record confirms

Pardon the pun, but they'll be hot.