McNAMARA PLEA FOR CATALANS’ FOLAU CIRCUS TO LEAVE TOWN
Jonny’s on the spot and drops big hint to England chief Wane
CATALANS DRAGONS are hoping to “move on” following Saturday’s media frenzy in Perpignan where Israel Folau made his return from the sporting wilderness.
The former Australian rugby union star made a try-scoring debut for Super League’s French club in the 36-18 victory over Castleford
Tigers and coach Steve McNamara is keen to start on the next phase of his controversial new signing’s rugby redemption.
“It’s been a difficult 10 days since Israel joined us,” said McNamara.
“We’ve had the world’s media camped out down here with people in cars chasing players around town just to get a story. Hopefully we can move on now and allow Israel to play.
“I understand the headlines but just let him play. People are judging him on a newspaper story, or what they’ve seen on social media. Let him get on the field and we’ll understand the person a little more.”
Folau’s controversial views
JONNY LOMAX gave watching England coach Shaun Wane a reminder of his half-back skills as the champions overcame a stuttering first half to regain some form ahead of the World Club Challenge.
Kristian Woolf’s side trailed 6-2 at the break, making it three halves without scoring a try after their shut-out at Warrington. But then Lomax created three of the four tries Saints scored in a blistering 11-minute spell, swinging the game decisively in their favour. Lomax was often used at fullback by previous national coach Wayne Bennett but his skills from stand-off were evident throughout that decisive third quarter in front of successor Wane.
Saints boss Woolf said: “While we were on top Jonny (below) was handling the ball a lot and getting it to the right spots. He’s an absolutely class player.” Woolf was forced into a half-time reshuffle when winger Regan Grace sustained a shoulder issue but was hopeful he will be fit for Saturday’s clash with Sydney Roosters, along with hooker James Roby, who has yet to feature this year. Carlos Tuimavave’s try from a Marc Sneyd kick was the difference between the teams at half-time.
But after Jake Connor kicked on homosexuality prompted some Castleford fans to unfurl rainbow flags, with some claiming they had been asked to remove the symbols of the LGBT movement.
The Dragons said it was not their policy to ban rainbow flags and promised to investigate the claims.
Folau opened the scoring for his new club – his first out on the full soon after the restart, the Black and Whites did not touch the ball again until they were 24-6 behind.
Lomax’s sharp pass to Matty Costello – who had moved to wing to accommodate Grace’s exit – started the flurry of points, before Luke Thompson touched down after a Theo Fages kick was spilt.
Lomax’s inside ball then put impressive substitute Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook over by the posts and the stand-off sent makeshift centre James Bentley in.
Hull did stir when Tuimavave scored an outstanding second, beating a host of defenders on an 80-metre run to the line.
Sub hooker Aaron Smith completed the Saints scoring by dummying over from close range before Jamie Shaul had the final say for a Hull side that now has a clearer understanding of where they need to be in 2020.
Coach Lee Radford said: “We put the ball out on the full and I was really disappointed with the response of some individuals.
“We turned into a team of officials rather than rugby players.
“When the focus is put on making a ref change a decision the outcome is usually a negative one.” rugby league try since leaving to play union 10 years ago – with his first touch in the opening minutes of a match which was dominated by a hat-trick from full-back Sam Tomkins.
Castleford coach Daryl Powell refused to blame the Folau sideshow for his side’s defeat, adding: “It was just a poor performance by us.”