Motivated Mourgue

Arthur Mourgue was an almost ever-present in the Catalans Dragons side in 2024, with a total of 26 out of 27 appearances.

Primarily positioned at fullback last year, Mourgue’s versatility also allowed him to slot into the halfback position when required, and he became instrumental in the French side’s performances, emerging as one of the club’s top metre makers, try assisters and try scorers.

From one end to the other ?

The Dragons fire back through Arthur Mourgue ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Db8npXw3o3

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 7, 2024

This year, Mourgue will take the number 7 shirt and is set to pair with Luke Keary in the halves.

Having been with the Dragons since 2018, Mourgue has seen his beloved team transition into one that is able to challenge for silverware year on year.

But last season was a blip in form by their standards, as they struggled for consistency and fluidity, and as a result finished in seventh and agonisingly missed out of the Play-Offs on points difference.

After an off-season of reflection, Mourgue firmly believes that this setback will only fuel them with determination and motivation for 2025:

“I think we’re ready and even more motivated, because last season we didn’t have the season we wanted,” Mourgue admitted.

“This season is new and fresh with new opportunities.

? @ArthurMourgue pic.twitter.com/MB9VOmTsSu

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 17, 2025

“We’ve trained hard during the pre-season, and we just want to play now and get back to winning ways and good times.”

The Dragons have seriously set the benchmark for themselves in recent seasons having won their first ever Challenge Cup in 2018, their first ever League Leaders’ Shield in 2021, as well as reaching two Grand Finals in 2021 and 2023.

They have turned Stade Gibert Brutus into a formidable fortress, formed an extremely talented squad and attracted a long list of high-profile stars to come and play at the club, which has made a lot of people sit up and take note.

Therefore, it was no surprise that they were bitterly frustrated to miss out on the top six spot last year. The Dragons have high standards for themselves, and rightly so, as Mourgue explained:

“I think the last few years, the club has really stepped up and improved and we’re now one of the big clubs. That’s why last year we were so disappointed. We wanted to make the Play-Offs and go all the way. 

“But that’s the life of a club – sometimes you don’t always reach your goal but what is important is the response and what we’re going to do now in 2025.

“We’re stronger this year, we have some really good players. And even with our staff – we have some new coaches. It’s exciting for this season.

“It’s good to still have the likes of Sam Tomkins with his experience and desire to still play. He will hopefully lead us to the Play-Offs.”

There’s certainly more to come from Mourgue and the Dragons, and with another stunning recruitment drive, they look one of the best placed to go on and achieve some exciting things.

Traditionally, the Dragons have always been a force to be reckoned with on home soil and Mourgue is determined for this to continue.

Last season, the Dragons won ten out of thirteen matches in the south of France and will kick off their campaign there in two weeks’ time when John Cartwright's Hull FC are the first team to make the trip over there.

“We really put pride on the field and want to make sure nobody comes to Stade Gilbert Brutus and has an easy game,” Mourgue emphasised.

“We want to win them all at home, especially for our fans. It’s really important we defend at home.”

Will you be following Mourgue and the Dragons in 2025?

Watch Catalans Dragons v Hull FC on Friday 14 February, live on Sky Sports and SuperLeague+ (K.O. 8pm).