Rugby League: Catalans Dragons Coach Provides Update on Reimis Smith’s Injury
In a crucial Super League clash, the Catalans Dragons faced off against reigning champions Wigan Warriors on Saturday night. However, the Dragons were dealt a late blow as new signing Reimis Smith was forced to miss the game due to a hamstring injury.
Head coach Steve McNamara revealed that the 27-year-old, who had made his debut for the club in their previous defeat to Leeds Rhinos, sustained the injury during the team’s captain’s run on Friday. Despite considering a gamble, McNamara ultimately decided against risking Smith’s fitness, given the importance of the game.
“He just wasn’t quite right yesterday (Friday), I thought about maybe taking a gamble but it’s just not quite right and with the magnitude of this game, we certainly need all fit players out there tonight,” McNamara told Sky Sports.
In Smith’s absence, the Dragons turned to academy product Matthieu Laguerre to fill the void at center. The France international, who recently signed a new one-year contract with the club for 2025, has made 40 appearances for the Dragons since making his debut in 2021, scoring 18 tries.
Speaking on Laguerre’s new deal, McNamara expressed his delight, stating:
“We are happy to re-sign Matthieu who is continuing to develop and gain confidence in his game. We feel he is ready to take his game to the next level over the coming period.”
The recovery timeline for Smith’s injury has yet to be disclosed, but the Catalans Dragons can take solace in the fact that they have a talented homegrown option in Laguerre to step up in his absence.
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