MOURGUE NRL DREAM IS NOT DYING

RUGBY LEAGUE MAGIC WEEKEND

EXCLUSIVE

ARTHUR MOURGUE dreams of helping Catalans to a historic Grand Final win and testing himself in the NRL one day.

This afternoon, though, one of Super League’s brightest talents will look to cast a spell over title rivals Wigan at Magic Weekend.

Third-placed Dragons against the second-placed Warriors is a fixture to increase the heartbeat and Mourgue is ready for the challenge ahead.

The 24-year-old full-back, an ever-present this season, said: “It’s a massive game and we need to win.

“I’ve just signed a new twoyear deal, so of course I see my future here.

“My dream is to win the Super League with this club.

“And I think we have the talent in the team to do it this year. There’s a good mix of youth and experience, so on our day we can beat anyone.

“I love playing for the Dragons, but I’d never close the door on playing in the NRL.

“If I got that chance in the future, I’d probably take it.

“Growing up, my idol was the New Zealand legend Shaun Johnson.”

Mourgue made his debut in 2018, the year Catalans created shockwaves by beating Warrington in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

Their win breathed passion and romance into the British game, and Mourgue added: “That was a crazy day.

“I didn’t play, but was lucky enough to be there on such a truly historic occasion.”

Three years later, he was part of the Dragons side who clinched the League Leaders’

Shield after defeating St Helens in a memorable encounter in Newcastle. It was the most dramatic game in Magic Weekend history as Catalans trailed 30-12 before fighting back with three late tries.

James Maloney’s drop-goal in golden-point extra-time sealed a 31-30 win.

Mourgue said: “That was an unbelievable game and one of my best memories.

“I was so happy at the end when Jimmy kicked the dropgoal. It was a strange one for me

TODAY

1.30pm Salford Red Devils v Hull KR

3.45pm Wigan v Catalans Dragons

6pm Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers TOMORROW

12pm Wakefield Trinity v Leigh

2.15pm St Helens v Huddersfield Giants

4.30pm Hull FC v Warrington because I started on the bench, but Fouad Yaha got injured and I came on to play wing.

“I ended up at hooker, so it was a tough game but an incredible result.”

The sides met a month later at Old Trafford when Steve Mcnamara’s men were edged out by Saints in their only Grand Final appearance to date.

Mourgue, who hails from Avignon, loves playing at big football stadiums and travels to watch Marseille on a regular basis.

He admitted: “I’m desperate to get back to Old Trafford for another Grand Final and hopefully win it next time.

“I’ve been to watch Marseille many times and the atmosphere there is another world.

“It’s a mad experience at the Velodrome, but playing at Newcastle and Old Trafford is pretty amazing too.”