Round 27
Les Catalans Dragons 12 l. Huddersfield Giants 20

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Huddersfield survive Catalans comeback
Mon September 11, 2006
Catalans will finish their debut Super League season in last position whilst Challenge Cup Finalists Huddersfield have sealed their position in Super League for next season.

The good news for Catalans is that they'll survive in Super League next season as the French based side can't be relegated with the bottom English based Super League side the one that faces the the demotion with Castleford, Wakefield and Wigan the only three sides possible heading into the final week of the engage Super League season.

Robbie Paul opened the scoring for Huddersfield giving them an early lead but Justin Murphy struck back for Catalans soon after. Tries to Chris Nero and Stuart Donlan either side of half-time opened up a handy lead for Huddersfield.

Julien Rinaldi got Catalans right back into the match and there was hope for the home side. However a late try to Martin Aspinwall sealed victory for the Giants and secured their place in Super League for another season.

After the match, Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp said, "I was delighted with the way the players went about this very tough task.

"Catalans threw an awful lot at us but we stood up to the pressure superbly and thoroughly deserved the win.

"This victory puts us in an excellent mood for our final home game of the season when we play Bradford next Sunday."

Catalans coach Michael Potter who has been linked with the vacant Sydney Roosters NRL coaching position said, "Our supporters have been superb this season and we wanted to send them all home with a win.

"We created a lot of opportunities but failed to capitalise and you can't afford to do that at Super League level."

Catalans debut Super League season has been encouraging and hopefully they continue to develop French players for the future and get the support of the Super League and RFL organisations. Also equally importantly the Dragons must keep Potter entrenched as their coach and allow Potter to develop and build some stability within the club. Potter has a proven track record as a great developer of talent and was one of the main people behind the great development success the St George Illawarra NRL side has enjoyed and benefitting the fruits from.

Huddersfield have had an up and down season but showed in the Challenge Cup they can be competitive and can have success.

Advanced Search