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Tommy Makinson’s Hat-Trick Secures a Dominant Win for Catalans over Salford
Last Updated: 19/04/25 8:36pm
In an impressive display, Tommy Makinson achieved a hat-trick as Catalans Dragons decisively defeated a struggling Salford team, clinching a 38-10 victory in the Betfred Super League.
Facing a demanding schedule that saw them return to Perpignan for the second time within three weeks, Salford faced a tough challenge and ultimately succumbed to a formidable Dragons side.
Salford’s coach Paul Rowley, still navigating the aftermath of a financial crisis at the club, initially announced an 18-man squad but was forced to make last-minute adjustments, resulting in key players such as Chris Hill and Sam Davis missing the match. Still, the return of Ryan Brierley as full-back—now the team captain following Kallum Watkins’ departure—provided much-needed leadership in the backline.
For the Dragons, coach Steve McNamara made minimal changes, with Romain Navarrete and Clement Martin stepping in for the injured Arthur Romano and on-loan Jordan Dezaria, though centre Reimis Smith was replaced by Fouad Yaha after sustaining an injury during warm-ups.
The victory allowed Catalans to move ahead of both Warrington and Wakefield in the league standings, positioning them seventh as they seek to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Makinson’s Brilliant Performance Amid Salford’s Resilience
The match was initially marred by a heavy downpour that affected the pitch conditions. However, Catalans emerged with a fierce resolve, putting pressure on Salford from the outset.
Makinson opened the scoring shortly after the home crowd celebrated with fireworks, finding the try line with a well-placed kick from Luke Keary. Shortly thereafter, Tariq Sims navigated through the defense to extend the lead with another try, followed by a close-range effort from Julian Bousquet, positioning the Dragons ahead 16-0.
Salford responded with moments of tenacity, particularly from Brierley, who sparked a backline series that nearly led to points for the visiting team. Joe Mellor, marking his 300th career appearance, came close to scoring but was thwarted as the ball crossed the dead-ball line just before halftime.
The second half commenced in a manner similar to the first, with Chris Satae scoring in the 43rd minute, followed by a conversion from Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet to bring the score to 22-0. Despite a valiant effort from Navarrete, who was held short of the line, Makinson soon added his second try by capitalizing on a scrum, marking over 1,500 points in Super League history.
Matthieu Laguerre followed suit, slicing through Salford’s defenses before Tiaki Chan, a former Dragon, led a powerful charge that allowed loanee Jonny Vaughan to score a consolation try in the 68th minute. Although Brierley’s conversion attempt failed, Chan later found the try line himself, much to the delight of his father, Alex, who serves as Catalans’ general manager.
In a fitting conclusion to the match, Makinson completed his hat-trick in the dying moments, sealing a resounding victory with another try from a Keary kick.
Round 8 – RIVALS ROUND Results
Thurs April 17: Wakefield 13-12 Castleford
Fri April 18: Hull FC 14-28 Hull KR
Fri April 18: Wigan 24-14 St Helens
Fri April 18: Leeds 28-6 Huddersfield
Sat April 19: Leigh 18-14 Warrington
Sat April 19: Catalans 38-10 Salford
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every match of the Super League this season, including two exclusive live matches in each round and additional coverage via the Sky Sports+ red button.
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