McNamara: We've learnt a lot

The top two teams from the 2023 regular season will face off in Saturday Night's Betfred Super League Grand Final. 

Table toppers Wigan Warriors cruised to Old Trafford after a convincing win against Hull KR, whilst the Dragons fought tooth and nail to dethrone the reigning Champions in dramatic fashion.

2023 will be Catalans' second Grand Final appearance in the last three years. After narrowly missing out on Grand Final glory in 2021, Dragons Head Coach Steve McNamara is determined to right the wrongs of that game and secure a maiden Super League trophy for the French side.

"It was an extremely tough game on Friday night that thankfully everyone's comes through okay from," McNamara explained during Monday's press conference.  

"All our focus is now on the Grand Final and we want to put in a performance that is deserving of a win.

"I believe we're organised ahead of this week and have a plan in place that works well. We've had time to understand the different scenarios with the Play-Off outcomes which is good for us. 

"We have the plan set off this week with the training programme and alongside that we have different recovery and media planned in. It's about strategically organising the week so we're doing the different parts at the right time.

"We know that Wigan are a big club and how good of a team they are. It's two very strong teams who are playing against each other which is how it should be in a Grand Final. You have to be outstanding in Grand Finals to win them and we know that."

A chance for @SamTomkins1 to finish his @DragonsOfficiel story on the perfect note in Saturday's #GrandFinal ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/2pykFr5wTp
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 9, 2023

McNamara insists that his side learnt valuable lessons following their 2021 Grand Final defeat. And he will be hoping the phrase 'you've got to lose one to win one' rings true this time round.

"We've learnt a lot. I think one of the key messages we took from the 2021 final is that you must be excellent in a Grand Final. We played well in 2021 but it wasn't good enough. The team knew the standards that were needed on Friday Night, and they know exactly what's required this Saturday.

"The experience you gain from wins and losses are important lessons to take with you. Without a doubt, going into the Grand Final for the second time I know the players know what it's all about and what's required to get over the line.

"This year, we've got a squad that has a lot more players involved that have Grand Final experience. Whether that's been here or in the NRL and I believe that puts us in a much better position."

McNamara strongly believes victory on Saturday will spark the beginning of a new era of Rugby League in France and beyond and firmly put it on the map.

"I think getting a win on Saturday would make huge noise around the world, not just in France. Getting to the Grand Final is good but winning it would potentially open the door to a World Club challenge and other avenues.

"The impact on the game in France would be huge. We're fighting against a big animal in France in rugby union, but we're holding our own without a doubt, and games like last Friday against St Helens grabbed the attention of everyone around the world. The overall impact will also be beneficial to grassroots rugby league which would be great to see."