Strong Second Half Performance Seals Win for Catalans
Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet scored a try for Catalans Dragons just 23 seconds into the second half, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Try scorers for York Knights included Denive Balmforth with two tries, Will Roberts, and David Nofoaluma. Hunter successfully kicked three goals for York.
Catalans Dragons' tries were scored by Matty Russell, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Solomona Faataape, Toby Sexton, Ugo Tison, and Charlie Staines. Aispuro-Bichet also contributed six successful goal kicks.
New Head Coach John Cartwright Witnesses Impressive Team Display
John Cartwright, recently appointed head coach of Catalans Dragons, observed his team score six tries in a convincing win against York Knights in the Super League.
The first half was relatively subdued, with Matty Russell crossing for a debut try. The scoring surge came immediately after halftime, with four tries scored within ten minutes, three by Catalans, extending their lead to 24-6.
During this period, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, Solomona Faataape, and Toby Sexton each scored for the Dragons. Later in the half, Ugo Tison and Charlie Staines added further tries.
York Knights remained competitive with Denive Balmforth's two tries, a try from Will Roberts, and a score by David Nofoaluma. However, Charlie Staines' late try for Catalans ended any chance of a York comeback.
League Standings and Coaching Changes
Following this match, Catalans Dragons are positioned just two points behind sixth-placed Wigan in the league table. York Knights maintain a two-point advantage over bottom club Huddersfield.
John Cartwright was appointed as head coach of Catalans Dragons for the remainder of the 2026 season earlier this week, succeeding Joel Tomkins.
The Australian coach had previously experienced a defeat against York while managing Hull FC in February but was present to see his new team secure victory over the Knights this time.
Notable Plays and Individual Performances
One of the standout moments for Catalans was a try created by Zac Lipowicz, who executed an exceptional reverse pass to set up Solomona Faataape's score.
York's Scott Galeano also displayed remarkable skill, setting up Will Roberts for a breakaway try. Galeano collected an offload near his own try line and sprinted upfield before delivering the assist.
Team Line-Ups
York Knights: Dagger; Galeano, Wood, Mata'afa, Nofoaluma; Roberts, Hunter, Martin, Inman, Vuniyayawa, Buchanan, Field, McShane.
Interchanges: Balmforth, Va'a, Hudson, Hingano.
Catalans Dragons: Staines; Russell, Laguerre, Faataape, Cotric; Sexton, Aispuro-Bichet; Allen, Tison, Navarrete, Lipowicz, Maria, Garcia.
Interchanges: Satae, Condon, Wilson, Lis.
Additional Super League Updates
Elsewhere in the Super League, Qareqare achieved a hat-trick to help Castleford defeat St Helens, and Wakefield secured a significant win in Toulouse.
