Catalans Away - 14th Feb : Sat Feb 08, 2025 8:29 pm
I'll start the ball rolling. All the preparations are complete, it's time for a brave new dawn.I watched Catalans against Halifax and they were thoroughly unimpressive. Very slow and clunky, and Tomkins must be a doubt after picking up a knock. I'm sure they won't be as poor next week but still, they look there for the taking to me.
Assuming no one pulls up after today I would be going with:
Moy
Barron
Hardaker
Rapana
Martin
Cust
Sezer
Ese'Ese
Bourouh
Aydin
Cartwright
Lane
Asiata
Ashworth
Sao
Holmes
Balmforth
I think Briscoe has a part to play as a squad player. He's seen everything in the game. But the two youngsters are just much more athletic these days, so I'm backing them. Much of the rest selects itself. I want Aydin starting for his energy. He does everything wholeheartedly and he will set the tone before the bigger bodies like Ashworth and Sao come on to, hopefully, do a bit of damage.
Obviously I'd love a win, but as long as they compete hard and show some signs of a team on the up I'll be happy. I'm certain it won't be any worse than last year's opener.