Former Vodafone Warriors James Maloney, Sam Tomkins and Agnatius Paasi plus ex-assistant coach Steve McNamara will feature in the English Super League’s grand final next weekend.
The appearance in the decider continues an outstanding season for the McNamara-coached French club Les Catalans.
They secured the league leaders’ shield for the first time and followed it up with a 28-10 win over Hull Kingston Rovers in Thursday night’s semi-final to lock in their maiden grand final at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s iconic ‘Theatre of Dreams’ next Saturday.
Former Vodafone Warriors standoff Maloney was again a key figure for the Dragons as he eyes his final match before retiring from top grade rugby league; he has signed to continue playing with FC Lezignan in the French domestic competition.
Fullback Tomkins missed the clash against Hull Kingston Rovers with injury but is expected to be fit for the grand final.
St Helens, with ex-Vodafone Warriors prop Agnatius Paasi on the bench, comfortably accounted for the Leeds Rhinos 36-8 in Friday night’s semi-final to book its place at Old Trafford.
Also set to feature in the decider are Les Catalans’ former Kiwis Dean Whare and Sam Kasiano.
Former Vodafone Warriors front rower Albert Vete was in the beaten Hull Kingston Rovers side along with ex-Kiwis Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Brad Takairangi while ex-Warriors Konrad Hurrell and Bodene Thompson plus former Kiwi Zane Tetevano were in the losing Leeds squad.
