HERE OUI GO AGAIN
Dragons reunion fires Whitley
MATT WHITLEY’S been counting down the days until he returns to Perpignan as a St Helens player.
And that day arrives today as the England Knights second-row, who spent five years playing for Catalans, steps out at Stade Gilbert Brutus again.
Whitley left the beaten Grand Finalists in the autumn to head home to Merseyside.
And he has made an impressive start to life at Saints, scoring three tries in his first two games alone and cementing a spot in Paul Wellens’ pack.
They were second but level on points with Catalans heading into this round, making it all the more enticing.
Whitley said: “It is a game I’ve been looking forward to since signing for Saints, going back to Perpignan, playing against Catalans and some of my old team-mates.
“I can’t wait. I still speak to a few lads. It’ll be nice to catch up with them whilst I’m back over there but ultimately I’m off to do a job. I’m fully focused on that.”
Whitley scored 35 tries in 103 games for the Dragons after joining from Widnes, reaching Old Trafford twice and lifting the League Leaders’ Shield.
But a Super League title eluded him, something he hopes to correct with Saints.
Whitley has immediately shown his class there, featuring in all seven games so far while keeping Joe Batchelor and Sione Mata’utia out of the starting back-row slots.
He added: “It’s everything I expected. I’ve loved every minute of it. Probably the main thing I miss from Perpignan is the weather. But other than that I’m really settled in St Helens and just glad to be back around family and friends. I’m really happy here.
“It was nice to get the win last week against Wigan but that’s done now. We’re moving on to a new week and a new game.
“That’s how we see it. Catalans won in Warrington last weekend, which was a big result. You know what you’ll get with Catalans – it’ll be a tough game and physical. I just want to deliver my best.”
■ WIGAN and Catalans do battle in the European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship at Robin Park, Wigan, tonight.