Steve McNamara reveals the pressure beyond the sun, sea and sand at Catalans

STEVE McNamara insists there is more to life at Catalans than hot weather, sandy beaches and the Med – there is pressure to achieve.

And guiding the Perpignan-based side to a Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final has only intensified it.

English fans love going the south of France, where life seems much more laid back and the sun is out a lot more.

But the man in charge of guiding the Dragons to glory is adamant traits more suited to rainy days in the north of England apply just as much.

McNamara said: “People associate us with the glitz and glamour, the sea, the beaches and the mountains.

“Those are parts of the world we live in but they’re secondary. We’re there to work hard, play well, train well and get results.

“There’s huge expectation and that’s only grown with the fact we’ve won a Challenge Cup and reached the Grand Final.

“As a result, expectations rise and that’s how it should be. The part of France we’re in is a working class area, people expect their teams to work hard, be strong and tough and turn up every week.

“We’re really happy with the progression we’ve made as a club, generally.

“Inconsistent was a word that was thrown at us for years and years but with a top four finish over the last three seasons, we’ve really worked hard to achieve that level of consistency.”

Catalans started 2023 with an away win at Wakefield. Now to welcome new boys Leigh to the Stade Gilbert Brutus today.

And McNamara admits their last home game – the 20-10 play-off loss to Leeds – is their prime motivation.

He added as he welcomes England captain Sam Tomkins back: “The real spur for us this year is the way we finished last year.

“We put ourselves in a position to challenge again but we failed in a game at home.

“The fire’s burning. We’re happy with our progression but we want more.”

Normally, Catalans’ home matches are shown on Sky Sports as part of a reciprocal deal with French broadcasters – this year, no TV contract has been agreed.

Only five matches will be streamed by media giant L’Equipe, but only two are at home – against Warrington and St Helens.

Strategic partner IMG, however, has earmarked France as a huge development area as it ‘re-imagines’ rugby league.

That is music to McNamara’s ears as he knows just how much the 13-a-side code can spread.

He told SunSport: “IMG has recognised the progress made and the opportunity that’s still there in the south of France for it to be a lot bigger.

“It’s very encouraging to hear their support, we just need to build our team and club to a level where we can compete every year.

“We’ve made huge improvements in our administration. The bigger challenge is for our whole club and the whole game in the south of France.”