Premier League: Catalonia Dragons 26-10 Huddersfield Giants

The match was muddy as heavy rain fell in the Perpignan area, and parts of the field were flooded due to heavy rainfall during and during Friday’s match.

Condon may have got his name on the scoresheet to keep the hosts off the mark, but the hard work had already been done up front thanks to the effigy of Lewis Dodd, the defense’s opening run and a brilliant kick for goal.

The home side thought they had doubled their try soon after when Vatapi crashed over the goal line, but as he attempted to turn the ball over and clear, Huddersfield full-back Flanagan grabbed the ball before he could make a successful touch.

Staines, playing in his first Premier League match for the Catalans after joining from Wests Tigers, took the mark in impressive fashion thanks to a plush doll who once again fouled the Giants’ defence.

Huddersfield’s task was made more difficult after Russell’s side were conceded shortly before half-time to a cheap professional foul, but undeterred, Halsall raced into the corner to score the visitors’ first points of the evening.

Vatabi sent a tremendous pass to Makinson who duly dropped in the corner after the break but, seemingly out of nowhere, Flanagan slid into the sinking goal to land and bring the Giants to within 10 points of the hosts.

It was an excellent night for the Catalan League’s off-season recruits, with Vatapi and Toby Sexton wrapping up the win with a try and a clean sweep of goals respectively.