Simmons wary of Dragons threat
February 07, 2012 11:34:37 UK
Royce Simmons is backing Catalans Dragons to be among the challengers for silverware this season.
The St Helens head coach saw his side make the perfect start to Super League XVII in London on Saturday, coming from behind to beat the Broncos in sub-zero conditions.
I think Catalans could be a bit of a dark horse.
Royce Simmons
They will now look to make it two wins from two this Friday when they face Salford City Reds in the first competitive match to be staged at Langtree Park.
"Everyone is talking about Catalans and last year's experience will do them good," said Simmons, who is in his second year with Saints.
"They too have recruited well and I have a feeling Hull will be strong as well because they have bought well in the full-back, hooker and half-back positions where they needed to strengthen up.
"But when they get their combinations right though, I think Catalans could be a bit of a dark horse. Everyone is competitive at the start of the year, but it is how you handle your injuries and I think it is going to be a stronger overall competition than last year."
The Saints were made to work hard by London in round one and Simmons was keen to stress that he doesn't expect any match to be easy, despite the team's status as one of the favourites to win the competition.
"London were tough on Saturday and I expected them to be. There are no teams in this competition who are just going to roll over for you and Salford won't be turning up to lose either. If they can spoil our party then they will."
St Helens are 7.50 to be crowned Grand Final champions this season, with Catalans 15.00 and Warrington Wolves 2.87.
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