Tommy Makinson starts slick St Helens off with win against Catalans Dragons

St Helens began their quest for an unprecedented fourth successive Super League title with victory against last season’s beaten Grand Finalists, Catalans Dragons.

The Saints, aiming to achieve what no side has in the summer era, showed many of the hallmarks here which have seen them dominate Super League for the past three seasons. Four first-half tries in 15 minutes ultimately proved to be the difference against a Catalans side who will again be among their closest contenders.

However, they finished this game with 12 men after a fiery and often tempestuous contest was typified by a red card for the Dragons’ debutant Dylan Napa after a high shot on Mark Percival in the closing stages. Catalans still stood a chance of winning until that point in proceedings, but Napa’s red card ultimately ended their challenge.

It took less than a minute for the new season to ignite. From the opening set of the game an almighty brawl erupted, with Gil Dudson at the heart of it after taking the inaugural carry. He was ultimately sin-binned but, to Catalans’ credit, their defence held up commendably for the 10 minutes without him.

Shortly after he returned, Catalans took full advantage of the numerical parity to cross for the game’s opening try. Josh Drinkwater’s well-weighted kick found Fouad Yaha in the corner, with Sam Tomkins converting to give the visitors a 6-0 lead. However as the half wore on, the champions began to find their stride.

It began to feel inevitable that the Saints’ first try was looming, and eventually it arrived when Sione Mata’utia’s half-break was supported by Tommy Makinson. Four minutes later, Konrad Hurrell’s magnificent offload found James Roby, with the St Helens captain marking the start of his 19th season as