Theo Fages out to send a message to Catalans’ critics with Wembley return

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THEO Fages would love nothing more than to show Catalans’ doubters why they are there by getting to Wembley again.

The Dragons’ 2018 Challenge Cup triumph was seen as the launchpad of the Perpignan-based club at a new level – reaching the final once more would cement their top table place.

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Yet in the background, clubs are questioning whether they should even be there, even though they make an operating profit, have attracted several big names and produced aa number of young talents.

Now Fages hopes to give them the perfect answer by dumping out Super League leaders Hull KR.

He said: “It’s a shame that some teams and some clubs want us out, but I’m pretty sure every club loves going to Catalans and enjoying the trip away.

“Many see the negative side of France and it’s hard for the club. This year they’ve got to financially support every travelling club and they’ve got to pay to play in the cup.

“It’s an extra challenge and many want us to fail but if we have success, then we’re not bothered really about what people and other clubs think.

“Everyone loves going there, there are sponsorship opportunities for the Super League. There are loads of good things to take.

“We just love being a part of the Super League and doing everything we can to perform and play well. The club has done that for the most part of the 20 years they’ve been in the Super League.”

While many doubt Catalans’ involvement, today’s opponents have felt the benefit after signing their product Arthur Mourgue.

Luckily for Steve McNamara’s side, he is cup tied and the next one off the conveyor belt, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, is another example of why they should stay.

Half back Fages added: “It’s good Arthur can’t play but Guillermo’s a good kid. He’s only 19 and is putting in one good performance after the other.

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“He’s still learning and he’s enjoying it. It’s good to see a young French kid playing well.

“It’s a big one for us. Obviously, the club had success in 2018 and we just want to replicate that. We’re one game away from the final, so we’ll be pumped for that.

“It’s a semi-final, so the emotion will be there, but we’ve just got to perform on the day and we’ll see about Wembley after that, hopefully. Hull KR are well set up, so it’s a good challenge for us, but we’ll be ready for it.

“We know it’s easy to fix what we did in Super League against Leigh. Just cut the errors out and then we’ll be good.”